RNLI celebrates 20 years of lifeguarding on Weymouth Beach
Weymouth's Lifeguard Station was one of the first to launch in an RNLI pilot scheme in 2001
The RNLI is celebrating two decades and 1,462 lives saved across beaches in the South West.
Weymouth's Lifeguard Station next to the beach offices was one of the first launched in 2001 as part of an RNLI pilot scheme.
Now, the service runs nationwide. Last summer alone lifeguards in the South West saved the lives of 23 children and teenagers - now they're gearing up for what could be an even busier summer.
How did it start?
Back in 2001 lifesaving and surf clubs were already patrolling some beaches in the region, as well as local council-run services. But as coastal usage increased the scale of cover required was not enough. The RNLI wanted to provide a solution, so along with lifesaving clubs and beach owners, they piloted a beach rescue service in Newquay, south east Cornwall and Weymouth, as well as Bournemouth and Poole in Dorset. The results spoke for themselves as 20 lives were saved in the first year.
It led to an official service being formed and advancement in the equipment and training available to lifeguards. Safety literature information and warning signs were also developed for beaches so visitors knew what dangers they may encounter and how to keep themselves safe.
Alice Higgins, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor in Weymouth, who looks after looks after Greenhill, Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis beaches said:
"Thanks to RNLI lifeguards our beaches are safer places, so we can enjoy our time at the coast and return home safely at the end of the day. Around 95% of a lifeguard’s work is prevention. They keep beachgoers safe by educating them about water safety and spotting the dangers before accidents happen."
"However, should an incident occur, RNLI lifeguards are there to respond immediately and did just this in the summer of 2020, assisting 3,759 people under the age of 20.
"The most common activity was bodyboarding with a total of 852 incidents involving under 20’s, followed by swimming with 449 incidents. In addition, RNLI lifeguards responded to 127 incidents of teenagers' tombstoning.
"RNLI lifeguards past and present have kept millions of beach visitors safe over the past 20 years and will continue to do so for years to come. We would urge anyone planning a visit to the coast this summer to please remember to visit a lifeguarded beach and stay between the red and yellow flags."
Lewis Timson, one of the lifeguard supervisors from Cornwall, who was involved with the service back in 2001, reflected on 20 years of the service.
He said:
"The fundamentals are the same, we still need to be fit, well trained, capable and skilled lifeguards. But there has definitely been a shift with how we keep people safe. This has developed alongside the amount of people we now get visiting our beaches and going in the water. Lifeguarding now is such a proactive service and its essential that beach goers arm themselves with the knowledge needed to keep themselves safe while enjoying the coast."
How to stay safe
From beach safety and prevention to rescuing those in the water and delivering casualty care, RNLI lifeguards are prepared to deal with any situation they might face. But the team is urging anyone choosing to visit the region to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags -– find your nearest here.
• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
• 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.