The RNLI will operate a beach lifeguard service on the Isle of Wight for the first time in the lifesaving charity’s history when patrols begin at Sandown beach this weekend.
RNLI lifeguards clad in their distinctive red and yellow uniforms will be keeping bathers safe between 10:00 and 18:00 from this coming Saturday (4th July) until Sunday 6th September, on behalf of Sandown Town Council.
A specialist lifeguard unit was delivered to Sandown yesterday (Wednesday) and has been kitted out with all the latest lifesaving equipment. A loudspeaker system has been installed and flags will be used along the length of the beach between Sandown Pier and the Driftwood bar area.
Ed Stevens, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, said:
“It’s incredibly exciting to be providing an RNLI lifeguard service on the Isle of Wight for the first time. Sandown is a busy seaside resort which attracts thousands of tourists and locals to its beach and we’re looking forward to keeping them safe throughout the summer months.
‘The RNLI will have two highly-trained lifeguards patrolling at Sandown working from a station positioned on the beach. They will be equipped with rescue boards and tubes for people in need of help in the water, as well as medical bags, stretchers and oxygen to help anyone sick or injured.
“Building on the expertise we have developed through 14 years of providing beach patrols elsewhere on the UK’s coast, we hope to become a welcome addition to the Sandown community”.
A Sandown Town Council spokesperson said:
“Sandown Town Council is pleased to welcome the RNLI to the beaches of Sandown to give confidence to both our residents and visitors. We look forward to working with the lifeguards and are confident of a good working relationship between the RNLI and our own local Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat should the need arise”.
Anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard this summer should contact RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Tim Walton on 07880 243053 or email [email protected].
