RNLI lifeguards return to North West beaches for Easter
RNLI lifeguards have saved 42 lives, assisted over 71,544 individuals, and responded to 12,143 incidents since 2010
As the Easter holiday approaches, RNLI lifeguards are gearing up to provide a crucial safety service along the North West's coastline in the 25th anniversary season of their UK lifeguard programme.
RNLI lifeguards will be stationed at Wirral's beaches from 28th March to 12th April, including West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive, The Plateaux, and New Brighton (Perch Rock).
Following this period, services will continue on weekends.
Sefton’s beaches, namely Formby, Crosby, Ainsdale, and Southport, will also see lifeguard patrols during the same timeframe, with Crosby Beach being safeguarded year-round.
RNLI’s presence in the North West began in Sefton in 2010 and expanded to Wirral in 2015.
During their operations in the region, RNLI lifeguards have saved 42 lives, assisted over 71,544 individuals, and responded to 12,143 incidents.
Lucy Tilson, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Wirral and Denbighshire, expressed pride in the RNLI's achievements.
"It is amazing to think about how many people we have aided since the service began in the North West 16 years ago," Tilson said.
RNLI General Manager Peter Dawes emphasised the preventive aspect of the lifeguards' work, remarking that around 95% of their duties focus on safety education and hazard awareness.
He noted, "RNLI lifeguards past and present have kept millions of beach visitors safe over the past 25 years and will continue to do so for years to come."
For those planning a coastal visit this Easter, the RNLI recommends heading to lifeguarded beaches for safety.
They offer advice such as swimming between red and yellow flags and checking weather forecasts and tide times.
The RNLI’s lifesaving efforts since 2001 have resulted in 2,165 lives saved and have involved over 48 million preventative actions.
For more information about RNLI lifeguarded beaches, you can visit the RNLI website.