The RNLI formed its lifeguard service in 2001 to standardise the approach to the provision of a beach lifeguard service on our beaches. In 2008, the RNLI Lifeguards Service covers over 100 beaches in the south of England and Pembrokeshire in south Wales, employing more than 500 Lifeguards. The aim is to make a significant difference to safety on beaches by providing an integrated rescue service along with the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews to provide a joined-up rescue service from the beach to the open sea, with common standards, defined operational areas and effective resourcing.

The RNLI is a charity reliant on donations and legacies. For more information on RNLI Lifeguards, visit www.rnli.org.uk or call 0800 328 0600

Details of all beaches covered by the RNLI Lifeguards Service are listed in the Good Beach Guide. Click Beach Search on the tool bar above, and use the search page to find RNLI Lifeguarded beaches.

(a quick reference for the beach)

(PDF Documents. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader available FREE from www.Adobe.com)

    For a safe day at the beach: Remember F L A G S
Find the Red and Yellow flags flags, and swim between them.
Look at the safety signs.
Ask a lifeguard for advice about where it's safe to swim.
Get a friend to swim with you.
Stick your hand in the air and shout for help if in difficulty.

Call 01202 663553, or email beachsafety@rnli.org.uk, for beach safety information and advice from the RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service.
    Before you get in the water
1: Spot any dangers by checking out the beach when you arrive. Be aware of physical hazards such as rocks, piers, groynes and breakwaters.
2: Look for undertow currents and dangerous rip currents. If you're unsure, ask the Lifeguard.
3: Don't swim alone, it's safer with a friend, and try to make sure there are other people around - You never know when help might be needed.
4: Take safety advice, and aim to swim where there is a Lifeguard on patrol - Look for zoned swimming areas, marked by Red and Yellow flags.
5: Look out for safety information, warning signs and flags. NEVER swim where a sign says not to, or when a Red flag is flying.

    Learn more about beach safety
The RNLI publishes clear and practical information on beach safety. Learn how to safeguard you and your family by visiting Beach Safety
RNLI Beach Safety Manager
RNLI HQ
West Quay Road
Poole, Dorset
BH11 1HZ
tel: 01202 663553
email: beachsafety@rnli.org.uk
    For further information
If you're interested in developing your knowledge of beach and water safety, or looking for professional contacts, why not visit the National Water Safety Forum website, which gives information on sea safety, inland water safety, water sports safety, and water safety in the home.


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click here for a list of all beaches contained in the guide
Disclaimer: In brief - any individual acting upon information contained in this Guide does so entirely at their own risk.
MCS does not accept any responsibility for any individual visiting or bathing at beaches listed in the Good Beach
Guide. The symbols depicting the water quality of all beaches refer to 2006 water quality only, and apply to
normal bathing conditions. Bathers swim entirely at their own risk. Click here for full disclaimer text