Norfolk and Suffolk RNLI lifeguards offer peace of mind to beachgoers

The charity’s lifeguards will be at their posts from 10am to 6pm. The service will operate on beaches at Sheringham West, Cromer East, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Gorleston, Southwold North and Lowestoft South.

95% of the role is preventative and the teams have completed a period of extensive training. This ensures that every RNLI lifeguard has the vital skill set to enable them to deal with everything from locating missing children through to performing major first-aid and lifesaving rescues.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Ted Morgan, said: ‘Following a stringent training programme our charity’s lifeguards are in peak condition and they’re really looking forward to returning to their posts. Come rain or shine we’ll be there to offer friendly safety advice such as always to swim between the red and yellow flags and information on tide times.

‘We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach. It’s great to see visitors enjoying the coast with the extra peace of mind of knowing that we are there should they need us.’

Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: ‘East Suffolk has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country which are hugely popular with residents and visitors during the summer months. We want people to be able to enjoy the beach safely and are grateful to the RNLI who will be present at Southwold and Lowestoft to help keep people safe.’

Colin Brown, Leisure and Locality Services Manager, North Norfolk District Council, said: ‘It’s great to have the RNLI Lifeguards across our Blue Flag beaches again this summer, they play such an important role in keeping residents and visitors safe, educated and able to enjoy their time in our resorts. We have an excellent working relationship with the lifeguard service all year around, but this is the time of year where we really see that partnership flourish, and it’s fantastic to have them patrolling North Norfolk for another season.’

The RNLI runs the lifeguard service in partnership with the local councils*.

When visiting the beach this summer remember:

§ Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

§ Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone.

§

§ If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI

To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands

Notes to editors

*RNLI lifeguards will operate their seasonal patrols on the following beaches: Sheringham West, Cromer East, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Gorleston, Lowestoft South and Southwold North**. Until 14 September 2025

**September 7 for Lowestoft South and Southwold North

RNLI lifeguards will commence their seasonal service at Wells-next-the-sea, Sheringham East, West Runton, East Runton, Cromer West, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth, Southwold South and Lowestoft North from 12 July 2025 in preparation for an increase in people visiting the seaside. Until 7 September 2025

*Sheringham West, Cromer East, Mundesley, Sea Palling, and Gorleston Beaches will continue their season up until Sunday 14 September.

* As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week.

Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

RNLI Media contacts for more information please telephone Jess Curtis, RNLI Media Engagement placement North and East. Volunteer Press Officer Wells RNLI on 07483488243 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.