Lifeguards to return to Hastings and Camber beaches

The RNLI had previously announced it was only planning to lifeguard 70 beaches this summer as seasonal workers had not been included in the Government's Job Retention Scheme, launched shortly after the country went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, as restrictions eased last month, the RNLI said it worked to roll out patrols on 47 beaches in England, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

The total number of beaches with operational lifeguards will rise to more than 80 this weekend (June 20), including at Camber West and Hastings Pelham beach.

Camber Central beach has had lifeguards in place since May 30.

The RNLI has previously announced there will be no lifeguard patrols in Bexhill this year.

The charity is hoping to have lifeguards on around 170 beaches by early July - 70 per cent of the beaches it would patrol in a normal summer.

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, said: "We are now confident we can provide a more comprehensive lifeguard service this summer safely, despite the continuing challenges created by the pandemic. The first few weeks having lifeguards back on beaches has helped us properly test the new ways of operating and reassured everyone that we can accelerate and expand our plans.

"Our original plan to lifeguard 70 beaches this summer was a conservative one, made when many things were still unknown. Now, though, we have a better idea of the journey out of lockdown for all parts of the UK, understand the new regulations with which we must comply as an employer and service provider and, most importantly, feel we can properly manage the risks associated with Coronavirus. So, we are revising our plans and adding to the number of beaches we can lifeguard this summer."

The RNLI is continuing to talk to its 55 partner local authorities and beach owners about which additional beaches might be lifeguarded this summer, seeking to align with the proposed early July lifting of restrictions on the tourism and hospitality industries. The RNLI said it will announce this information as soon as possible.

Hastings Borough Council's deputy leader Cllr Colin Fitzgerald said: "We’re delighted that the RNLI lifeguards will be returning to our beach from this weekend, though only at Pelham initially.

"We’ve seen that our beaches have become increasingly popular as the lockdown slowly eases. The town still isn't ready to welcome tourists, but it is great that local residents will now be able to go back into the sea under the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards.

"We would however like to remind bathers again to swim between the flags on the beach, as these show where the lifeguards are working, and also read the RNLI’s beach safety advice so you are aware of the risks when you are in and around the water. Please continue to social distance while at the beach and stay safe."

Mark Dowie added: "With schools closed and restrictions on foreign travel, we know that lots of people will be heading to UK beaches – this could be the busiest summer ever for both our lifeguards and our lifeboat crews.

"I’m very grateful to all those lifeguards who have already started their patrols or are now preparing to get back on the beach – they know this will be a challenging summer and are doing a brilliant job helping to keep the public safe during this pandemic.

"We must all continue to be aware that the risks from the pandemic have not gone away, but if people work with us and the other emergency services by following social distancing and other Government guidance relevant to their home country, we hope to be able to continue to provide lifeguard services this season. We’d like to thank all our partners – from Her Majesty’s Coastguard, to local councils and landowners – who are also working hard to help us patrol as many beaches as possible."

New measures to deal with the Coronavirus mean the RNLI lifeguard service will look a little different this year. Lifeguards will wear PPE like ambulance crews in some situations.

New protocols for all first responders mean the lifeguards may not deal with some minor first aid cases but will support people to treat themselves. They will also try to keep socially distant from beach goers, and may need to adopt different patrol methods at times, such as not using the red and yellow flags and asking people to keep apart but close to shore, to help keep people safe while maintaining social distancing.

The charity is also continuing to urge anyone planning to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice. Anyone planning a visit to the coast should remember to:

- Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage

- Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water

- Don’t allow your family to swim alone

- Don’t use inflatables

- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

- In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard