RNLI lifeguards to return to North Coast over Easter break in 25th anniversary year

RNLI lifeguards are returning to the North Coast this Easter, as the charity marks its 25th anniversary of the RNLI lifeguarding service.

In Northern Ireland, RNLI’s lifeguard will be 15 years keeping beaches safer since the service was established in 2011.

From this Good Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 12, six beaches along the North Coast will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from 10am-6pm each day. The beaches with lifeguards on them for the Easter break will be: Benone Strand, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West Strand, Portrush East Strand, Whiterocks and Ballycastle.

Following that, weekend lifeguard service will be provided for the months of April, May and June.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the RNLI lifeguard service and the 15th anniversary of RNLI lifeguard service in Northern Ireland.

In that time, RNLI lifeguards have responded to 2,381 incidents and came to the aid of 487 people in Northern Ireland. In the 25th year, the charity is celebrating its lifeguards’ - and asking more people to support the RNLI in training and equipping them.

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Speaking ahead of the Easter break, Michael Thompson, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead said: "Our lifeguards are fully prepared to get back on beaches for Easter thanks to their pre-season preparations. This has included refreshing their lifeguard skills, doing fitness tests, vehicle courses and casualty care. All our lifeguards not only have the best training but also the best equipment so that they can deal with any situation."

Speaking about the Lifeguard 25th anniversary, Michael said: "It is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all RNLI lifeguards.

"Some of our team have been working on the same beach for over 10 years. 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. If you are planning a visit to the coast this summer, please remember to visit a RNLI lifeguarded beach."

Councillor Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: "As Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, and as a former RNLI lifeboat volunteer myself, I fully appreciate the dedication and skill it takes to keep people safe at our beaches. We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the RNLI, which has protected our coastline since 2011.

"As we celebrate Lifeguard 25 across the UK, I want to personally thank all the RNLI lifeguards for their training, commitment, and lifesaving work here in Causeway Coast and Glens."

When visiting the beach this summer remember:

Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone.

If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here:Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI

Check the weather and tide times before you go.

If you get caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it – instead, relax and float until you are free from the rip, then swim to safety.

If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.