Did you know? Today we celebrate 25 years since the RNLI first started patrolling our beaches
The RNLI launched its lifeguard service in 2001 after concerns about the number of fatalities occurring around the coast. In its first year alone, the service helped save 20 lives, and today RNLI lifeguards patrol more than 245 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands.
The role of RNLI lifeguards
Since 2001, RNLI lifeguards have performed over 48 million preventative actions, attended 330,000 incidents, aided over 440,000 people and saved over 2,000 lives.
It's about much more than rescuing people from the water. Around 95% of their work is preventative, helping beachgoers stay safe through education, advice and early intervention before incidents occur.
RNLI in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
RNLI lifeguards work in partnership with Arun District Council's Beach Patrol team to help keep residents and visitors safe at our popular seaside destinations. Lifeguard patrols operate at Littlehampton East and West Beach, and Bognor Regis beach, providing vital safety advice, first aid and rescue services throughout the busy summer season.
At Littlehampton, lifeguards and the volunteer crews of Littlehampton RNLI work closely together, particularly around the mouth of the River Arun, where strong tidal currents can quickly catch out even experienced swimmers. RNLI teams regularly respond to incidents in the river and along the coastline, helping to ensure everyone can enjoy our beaches safely.
Float to Live
The Float to Live campaign, is their safety survival initiative - the guidance is: tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and gently move your hands and feet. This simple advice has helped save over 50 lives since it began. This number reflects the self-reported cases known to the organisation, so it's probably much higher!
So next time you head to the beach, look out for the distinctive red and yellow flags, just remember - swim between them!
A huge thank you to our RNLI lifeguards for 25 years of helping save lives at sea.