Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeguards are preparing to return to six North Yorkshire beaches to provide daily patrols and essential safety advice over the summer season.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeguards will soon return to beaches across North Yorkshire to offer a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike. The patrols will begin just in time for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, starting from Saturday the 2nd of May.
Between the hours of 10am and 6pm, the dedicated lifeguards will patrol six designated beaches. Initially, this service will operate over the first three weekends in May. Following this period, the patrols will expand into a comprehensive daily service that will continue to operate throughout the busy summer months until Sunday the 6th of September.
The specific beaches in North Yorkshire that will benefit from being monitored by Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeguards include
- Cayton Bay,
- Filey,
- Sandsend,
- Scarborough North Bay,
- Scarborough South Bay,
- Whitby.
Furthermore, as the summer season progresses, Runswick Bay will also be included in the fully patrolled beach service starting from the 11th of July.
The lifeguarding team covering the North and East have been working exceptionally hard behind the scenes to complete their vital training. The team members are now looking forward to returning to the North Yorkshire beaches on a full-time basis to ensure the safety of the public.
This year is particularly special for the charity. Throughout 2026, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of its lifeguarding service. Because the lifeguards need to be physically present on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the charity cannot rely solely on volunteers to provide this essential cover seven days a week. As a result, local authorities part-fund the costs, which helps to meet the expense of the lifeguard wages.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Andrew Jamieson, 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 North Yorkshire while 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.'
North Yorkshire Council Leader, Councillor Carl Les, said:
'As we prepare to welcome families and other beach users to our much-loved beaches over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and the summer months, we would urge everyone to pay close attention to safety signage and follow any advice or warning information provided by RNLI lifeguards. RNLI lifeguards are highly trained in all aspects of beach safety and are always happy to answer questions or offer expert guidance, so please don’t hesitate to speak to them if you need advice.'
Councillor Carl Les added:
'If you see someone in trouble, or find yourself needing help, raise one arm and shout for assistance. It’s very important not to attempt a rescue yourself, as the situation can quickly become more dangerous and put you at risk as well.'
When visiting the coast this summer, the charity advises the public to remember several key safety points. Visitors should always choose a lifeguarded beach and make sure to swim strictly between the red and yellow flags. Families are urged to keep a close eye on their loved ones, both on the sand and in the water, and to ensure that family members are not allowed to swim alone. Finally, if anyone falls into the water unexpectedly, they are advised to follow the 'Float To Live' guidance to manage the emergency safely.
RNLI Lifeguards Return To East Riding Beaches For The Summer
Pickering Bike Shop Shortlisted For National Award
South Cliff Holiday Park And Sewerby Hall Cottages Join Bridlington Tourist Association
New 46m Wind Turbine Approved Despite Concerns From Ministry Of Defence
Police Drone Helps Recover Stolen Whitby Motorhome
Vape Shop’s ‘Hideous’ Retrospective Shop Design Plan Rejected
The Coastal Crime Busters Keeping Bridlington Safe
Extra Police Patrols To Tackle Antisocial Behaviour On The Yorkshire Coast Over May Bank Holidays
Scarborough Athletic Prepare For Crucial Buxton Eliminator Clash
Yorkshire Water Seeks Views On Multimillion-Pound Scarborough Investment
Record-Breaking Scalby Charity Walk Raises £3,000 As Search Begins For Fair Volunteers
The Scarborough Fair Returns With Over One Hundred And Seventy Events For Its Third Summer Season
