Lifeguards ready for a busy summer

THE RNLI is busy preparing its lifeguards for what is expected to be another busy summer on Northern Ireland’s beaches.

Last year, the charity responded to 225 incidents here and came to the aid of 285 people, six of whom were lives saved.

Lifeguards responded to a range of incidents and performed various actions including water rescues, casualty care and minor first aid as well as helping to reunite missing children with their families.

During the 2020 season, there were approximately 358,412 visitors to RNLI lifeguarded beaches in Northern Ireland and that is expected to continue this summer as the Covid-19 pandemic is showing no signs of dissipating, while doubts remain over foreign travel.

Five beaches on the Causeway coast will go on service for the Easter period, with a daily patrol from Good Friday on April 2, to Sunday, April 11.

RNLI lifeguards will then start a weekend service on the same beaches — along with Tyrella beach from Saturday, May 1 — prior to the full-time daily season starting on all 11 beaches on Saturday, June 26.

Speaking ahead of the Easter period which will see a daily patrol from 11am to 7pm on Benone, Portstewart, Portrush East, Portrush West and Whiterocks until Sunday, April 11, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Karl O’neill said despite the charity’s plans, contingencies have been developed should things change due to Covid. The daily full-time seasonal service will be extended to Downhill, Castlerock and Ballycastle on the Causeway coast and to Murlough and Cranfield in County Down from Saturday, June 26.