RNLI Lifeguard service to pause immediately

The RNLI has made the decision to immediately pause the rollout of lifeguard patrols onto beaches, postponing all coverage over Easter.

This is to ensure lifeguards adhere to the Government’s instructions to limit contact between people and encourage the public to do the same. Lifeboat stations remain on service.

Lifeguards work and train in groups, which makes keeping the requirement to remain two metres apart difficult and the nature of their work with the public puts them – and beach visitors – at risk of close contact. Also, their usual activity includes encouraging people to visit patrolled beaches and swim in certain areas – this activity would go against the Government’s clear instruction for people to stay at home, maintain social distancing and not congregate in groups.

This decision will affect approximately 390 trained lifeguards who were ready to patrol beaches in the next few weeks. The RNLI hopes to re-establish the lifeguard service and employ those lifeguards onto the beaches at a later date.