No Lifeguards at Bexhill-on-Sea This Summer
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has announced it won’t staff lifeguards at Bexhill-on-Sea for the 2023 season. Despite intense local recruitment efforts, the charity couldn’t find enough lifeguards to cover the beach.
Recruitment Crisis Hits Lifeguard Service
The RNLI went all out to hire lifeguards, using local ads, leaflets in nearby towns, recruitment fairs, and online campaigns. But the tight staffing market has forced the charity to pull the plug on lifeguards at Bexhill this year. Good news for beachgoers is that nearby Camber Sands will still be covered.
Safety Still a Priority Despite No Lifeguards
While RNLI lifeguards won’t be on duty at Bexhill, a face-to-face safety team will be on hand to offer advice throughout the season. Plus, Rother District Council’s coastal officers and beach patrols will provide first aid, raise sea safety flags, and keep an eye on conditions during the busy summer months.
“Our council staff will continue to promote beach and water safety,” said Councillor Hazel Timpe. “I’m glad RNLI plans to have a team on the seafront offering sea safety advice to residents and visitors.”
RNLI Urges Beachgoers to Stay Safe
The RNLI reminded everyone hitting the coast this summer to:
- Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible.
- Call 999 or 112 immediately in emergency situations.
- Use the “Float to Live” technique if caught in trouble.
- Know the risks and what actions to take.
- Understand and follow beach safety flags.
The RNLI apologises for any inconvenience caused by the lack of lifeguards at Bexhill-on-Sea but vows to keep saving lives and tackle recruitment challenges moving forward.
