RNLI Lifeguards Make Comeback To Tyrella Beach

RNLI lifeguards set to return to Tyrella Beach this weekend on 29th April 2023

Lifeguards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) return to Tyrella Beach in County Down this weekend as the charity and Newry Mourne and Down District Council prepare and get ready for another summer season. 

From this Saturday 29 April, lifeguards will be providing a patrol from 10am to 6pm on weekends at Tyrella Beach up until peak season starts.

Then from Saturday, 1 July, lifeguards will take up a daily patrol on Tyrella, Murlough and Cranfield beaches. The daily service will run until September.

Last summer RNLI lifeguards in Northern Ireland saved 13 lives, aided over 450 people and responded to over 300 incidents.

The service runs along the Causeway Coast as well as in County Down.

The RNLI works in partnership with Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the National Trust each year to set up and roll out a lifeguard service in county Down, at their request.

Setting up a lifeguard service each season for the Council and the Trust involves several different elements including recruiting and training lifeguards and organising the logistics to deliver equipment and in some cases lifeguard units to each beach. 

Before a lifeguard sets foot on a beach, they take part in months of training. From a rigorous fitness test to learning vital casualty care skills, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment in order to save lives at the beach.  

As well as rescuing those in trouble in the water, RNLI lifeguards have to deal with multiple lost children, minor first aids including cuts and stings, major first aids including fractures and critical illnesses and provide safety advice to beach goers to ensure they enjoyed their day at the beach as safely as possible.  

Stuart Montgomery, RNLI Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor said: “RNLI lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work, as they keep beach visitors safe across our beaches in county Down.

“The RNLI is working closely with the Council and the Trust to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped and that lifeguard training is performed seamlessly ahead of this weekend on Tyrella and for all three beaches ahead of the peak season start in July.

“Our lifeguards are looking forward to getting back on the beaches and doing what they do best; offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself. 

“However, it is important to remember that our lifeguards can’t be everywhere.

“Our lifeguards will be supported by the charity’s 24/7 lifeboat service and water safety work, but we urge anyone visiting the coast to take responsibility for themselves and their family this summer.’ 

Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the National Trust invest in keeping their beach visitors safe by contributing to RNLI costs, which helps to meet lifeguard wages, while the extensive training and equipment needed is provided by the charity through public donations.

RNLI lifeguards work alongside other emergency services and teams integral to an enjoyable visit to the beach.   

Conor Mallon, Director of Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “The partnership between the Council and RNLI in providing beach lifeguarding services is invaluable.

“As visitors continue to enjoy the coastline either in and on the water or on a beach, we want them to do so safely.

“The RNLI lifeguards are a key component in ensuring the visitor experience is safe and enjoyable.”

Find your nearest safe beach at:

 rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches. 

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following their beach safety advice. 

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. 
• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks. 
• For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return. 
• If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies 
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float. 
• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

If you are interested in working on the beach this summer, there are still lifeguard positions available.

You will receive world-class lifesaving training, enjoy good rates of pay, the possibility of flexible working patterns and develop valuable skills for their future career. Find out more about becoming a lifeguard at:

rnli.org/BeALifeguard