About WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI
In 2001, the RNLI launched a brand-new beach lifeguarding service. From struggling swimmers to stranded surfers, RNLI lifeguards have been keeping beaches safer for 25 years. They're highly trained, fit, and equipped to save lives.
This is their story.
With the beach as their office, it’s no surprise that many lifeguards say their job is the best in the world. But it’s also about purpose. Lifeguarding attracts people from all walks of life, young and old, united by the desire to help people enjoy beaches safely.
In the final episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach with the RNLI, we hear why lifeguards love the job – and the opportunities it can lead to. From creative side-hustles to careers in the emergency services, we dive into the fascinating professional lives of current and former lifeguards.
We also hear from Gary, who shares how after a lifeguard helped save his life in 2009, he’s now fundraising for the charity to which he owes his life.
Credit:
WE ARE LIFEGUARDS is an RNLI productionInterviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley, Siobhan McGarry and Charlotte HillSound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding – find out more at RNLI.org/lifeguard25
13 Apr 2026
Spread the Word
Lifeguarding isn’t always about battling the surf or performing dramatic beach rescues. Did you know that 95% of a lifeguard’s work is preventative? From spotting dangers before they happen, to offering safety advice on the beach and in classrooms, RNLI lifeguards strive to help people enjoy the beach safely.
In the fourth episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI, we hear how RNLI lifeguards work in communities across the UK and Channel Islands to deliver lifesaving skills and advice. Learn how some lifeguards have been trying British Sign Language, while others hop onto social media trends to spread the word. And Ruth shares her story of how a lifeguard told her about the RNLI’s Float to Live advice just 3 days before it ended up saving her life.
Credit:
WE ARE LIFEGUARDS is an RNLI productionInterviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley and Charlotte HillSound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding - find out more at RNLI.org/Lifeguard25
Learn how to keep safe at the beach with advice from the RNLI’s water safety experts at RNLI.org/safety
6 Apr 2026
Equipped and Ready
RNLI lifeguards are trained to high fitness standards to be able to respond instantly. But what equipment do they need to help get the job done?
In the third episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI, we learn from experts from the RNLI’s lifeguarding service about the kit they rely on, as well as the unique challenges they face keeping it ready for rescue.
Holidaymaker Josh recalls how, when he got caught in a rip current while bodyboarding in Newquay, the sight of an RNLI lifeguard cutting through the swell on a rescue watercraft towards him was the biggest relief of his life.
Credits:
We Are Lifeguards is an RNLI productionInterviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley and Charlotte HillSound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding - find out more at RNLI.org/Lifeguard25
Find kit to keep you safe in and around the water at shop.RNLI.org
30 Mar 2026
Every Beach Has a Personality
From Scotland to Jersey, the RNLI provides a lifeguard service at beaches around the UK and Channel Islands – and supports lifeguards internationally too. Each beach has its own character and challenges, and local knowledge is vital to lifeguards protecting their patch.
In the second episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI hear how the RNLI service grew from a trial on a handful of beaches on the south coast in 2001, to a world-class service on more than 245 beaches today. Whether it’s a quiet, remote beach or a beach packed full of people, RNLI lifeguards help keep the coast safer. And their lifesaving skills sometimes go further than sea and sand. One mum shares her story of how, when her daughter collapsed in a café, it was RNLI beach lifeguards who stepped in.
Credits:
WE ARE LIFEGUARDS is an RNLI productionInterviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley and Charlotte HillSound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding - find out more at RNLI.org/Lifeguard25
To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, head to rnli.org/LifeguardedBeach
24 Mar 2026
Lifeguards Saved My Life
When holidaymaker Joanna got into difficulty and lost consciousness in the sea, her life was in danger. Thanks to his RNLI training, lifeguard Matty knew what to do – and sprinted to the rescue.
The beach is an unpredictable place. RNLI lifeguards have been helping to keep beaches safer since 2001. But what makes a good lifeguard? It’s not just about fitness – and the training they receive is key. Nobody knows this better than Joanna, who reveals how a holiday dip in the sea turned into a battle for survival …
In the first episode of WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI, hear from the people who train lifeguards, the lifeguards patrolling the beaches and the people whose lives they’ve saved.
Credits:
WE ARE LIFEGUARDS is an RNLI productionInterviews by the RNLI's Amy Bratley, Chloé Burden and Charlotte HillSound production by the RNLI's Richard Adams
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 25 years of lifeguarding - find out more at RNLI.org/lifeguard25
16 Mar 2026
WE ARE LIFEGUARDS: Saving Lives on the Beach With the RNLI
In 2001, the RNLI launched a brand-new beach lifeguarding service. From struggling swimmers to stranded surfers, RNLI lifeguards have been keeping beaches safer for 25 years. They’re highly trained, fit, and equipped to save lives.
This is their story.
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