RNLI lifeguards return to Hastings beaches ahead of May Half Term
Ahead of the May Half Term, RNLI lifeguards return to four beaches in Hastings and Camber Sands.
From Saturday 24 May 2025, RNLI lifeguards will be returning to; Camber West, Hastings Pelham, Hastings Pier and Marina St Leonards beaches from Saturday. RNLI lifeguards will be on duty everyday over May half term, and then every weekend until 19 July, when lifeguards will be on duty everyday over the summer.
Figures reveal that in 2024, RNLI lifeguards saved 15 lives, as well as dealing with over 1,930 incidents and assisting nearly 2,284 people in the south east of England alone.
Hugh Richardson, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for East Sussex, said: ‘Our lifeguards have spent the last few weeks going through their inductions and training hard in preparation for the season ahead. They are excited to be returning to beaches in Thanet, doing what they do best, offering preventative advice and an excellent lifesaving service.’
If you are heading to the beaches in the coming weeks, we strongly advise that you choose a lifeguarded beach. Speak to our lifeguards for advice and information on the local beach environment including tides, sea state and weather conditions.
Hugh has further advice for beachgoers: ‘It’s important to remember that the water is still cold and we’d ask everyone to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned by always having a means of calling for help and checking the weather forecast and local hazard signage to understand local risks.’
Councillor Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader and lead for Tourism at Hastings Borough Council, said: ‘We're pleased to welcome the RNLI lifeguards back to Hastings’ Pelham and Marina beaches from 24 May for the summer season. This highly trained charity provides an invaluable service for Hastings Borough Council by managing beach lifeguarding for us.
‘Their work is really important, not only for water rescues but also for handling beach safety issues like lost children and medical situations, so visitors and residents can enjoy their time at the beach. Please help them by reading the RNLI’s beach safety advice before you visit, so you are aware of the risks when you are in and around the water. Simple safety tips include remembering to only visit a lifeguarded beach and to only swim between the red and yellow flags.’
When visiting the beach this summer remember:
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Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
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Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone.
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If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
Notes to editors
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RNLI lifeguards returned to Camber Central beach in April
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To learn more about RNLI lifeguarded beaches visit: RNLI Lifeguards In The UK And Channel Islands
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sam Carragher, Communications Placement – South East on [email protected] or 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.