Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeguards are set to resume their daily patrols across East Riding beaches starting from the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards will soon be returning to beaches in the East Riding of Yorkshire, offering a reassuring presence for visitors and residents starting from the Spring Bank Holiday weekend on Saturday the 2nd of May.
The highly trained teams will initially operate between 10am and 6pm over the first three weekends in May. During this early part of the season, patrols will focus on three nominated beaches:
- Belvedere,
- Bridlington North,
- Bridlington South.
Following these initial weekend patrols, the operation will expand into a full daily service that will run continuously throughout the summer season until Sunday the 6th of September.
In addition to the Bridlington locations, the patrolled service will extend to cover beaches at Withernsea and Hornsea from the 4th of July. This summer expansion ensures that local communities and holidaymakers are kept safe across five key beaches in the East Riding.
Throughout the North and East of England, the RNLI lifeguarding team has been working hard to complete vital training in preparation for their full-time return to the coast.
Andrew Jamieson, the RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, highlighted the significance of this year's patrols and the charity's ongoing commitment to coastal safety. He said:
"We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. This year sees the RNLI lifeguarding service welcome in its 25-year anniversary, and we are thrilled to patrol several beaches in the East Riding of Yorkshire as this important milestone is celebrated. It is great to see visitors enjoying the coast with the extra peace of mind of knowing that we are there should they need us."
The return of the lifeguards is supported by the local authority, which part-funds the RNLI’s costs to help meet the wages of the lifeguards. The charity notes that because lifeguards need to be physically present on the beach ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, they cannot rely solely on volunteers for seven-day-a-week cover.
Councillor Lyn Healing, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection, welcomed the return of the safety teams to the coast. She said:
"The RNLI Lifeguards are always a welcome sight on our busiest beaches in the East Riding, and I’m delighted to welcome them back once again. They provide a vital service to our residents and visitors – offering safety, reassurance, advice and first aid, as well as crucial help in the event of emergencies if they are needed. The RNLI lifeguards give a big boost to public confidence in the safety of Bridlington’s beaches and that shows support for the town’s tourism industry."
As the 2026 summer season gets underway and the RNLI celebrates its 25-year lifeguarding anniversary, safety experts are reminding beachgoers of key advice to ensure a safe visit to the seaside.
Visitors are urged to always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. The RNLI also advises keeping a close eye on family members both on the sand and in the water, ensuring no one is allowed to swim alone. Finally, anyone who falls into the water unexpectedly is reminded to follow the 'Float To Live' guidance to manage the emergency.
Calls for "Consultative Pause" as Bridlington Care Unit Faces June Closure
Iran Conflict Prompts North Yorkshire Council to Propose Taxi Fare Increase
Wilsons Food Hall Near Scarborough Wins Top Regional Start-Up Award
Heroes Of Withernsea Sea Tragedy And Bridlington Community Champions Honoured At East Riding Awards
Mayor Declares Proposed Tourist Tax A 'Total Game-Changer' For North Yorkshire
Bridlington Town Announces Retained List
Luke Campbell Reflects on His First Year as Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire
Family Transform Remote North Yorkshire Station Into The Perfect Home
Filey Residents Launch Bold Bid to Save Historic Queen Street Land from Private Development
North Yorkshire Set for Global Spotlight as Council Backs Return of Elite Cycling
Parents Demand Answers Over Whitby School Education Concerns
Camra Backs Plan To Stop Scarborough Pub’s Conversion Into Flats
