RNLI statement

Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of David. As a charity, we exist to prevent drowning so that nobody suffers the devastating loss of a loved one in this way.

This tragic incident happened on private land. The RNLI works with landowners and Councils to provide lifeguard patrols when they are requested by the landowners and have explicit permission to do so. Providing lifeguard cover is one of a range of safety measures a landowner or Council can implement to mitigate risk.

Other measures such as permanent signage or beach safety education are important as lifeguards cannot be everywhere all of the time. This is why the RNLI invests in sharing water safety advice with the public, so people have the information they need to keep themselves safe.

The RNLI works closely with Councils and landowners to determine when the charity will provide lifeguard patrols. RNLI lifeguard patrols routinely operate between the hours of 10am-6pm, because this is the time period which incident data tells us is the busiest and highest risk period.

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.