Visitors heading to the beautiful coastline of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole can enjoy their beach days with added peace of mind, as the RNLI is expanding its lifeguard patrols for the main summer season.

Whether you are planning a family day out building sandcastles or looking to safely enjoy water sports along the coast, a wider stretch of the local coastline is now under the daily protection of the RNLI.

Key Dates and Lifeguarded Locations

The RNLI operates a phased rollout of its lifeguard services to match the busy summer season and the school holidays. All lifeguards are on duty daily between 10am and 6pm.

Here is when and where you can find patrolled beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole this summer:

Already on Patrol (Since 28 March) If you have visited the coast earlier this spring, you may have already spotted teams keeping an eye on the water. These beaches are currently patrolled and will remain so until 27 September:

• Sandbanks
• Bournemouth East
• Bournemouth West
• Boscombe East

Starting 23 May (Adding to the Rota) Just in time for the main summer season, an additional six beaches will join the daily patrol list, running seven days a week until 6 September:

• Branksome
• Alum Chine
• Durley Chine
• Boscombe West
• Fisherman's Walk
• Southbourne

Starting 18 July (Peak Summer Additions) For those visiting later during the peak school holiday weeks, full lifeguard coverage will also expand to these final locations, running until 6 September:

• Shore Road
• East Cliff
• Manor Steps
• Avon Beach

A Warm Welcome for Visitors

A spokesperson for Bournemouth & Poole Tourism highlighted the importance of the returning patrols for those holidaying in the area:

"The safety and wellbeing of our visitors is always our top priority. We are incredibly proud of our award-winning coastline, and having the RNLI’s dedicated lifeguards back on our beaches ensures that families, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts can relax and enjoy our beautiful waters with total confidence this summer."

Expert Advice for a Safe Visit

Kester Sheppard, lead lifeguard supervisor for East Dorset, has shared important advice for anyone planning to visit the coast over the coming weeks:

• Swim between the flags: Always head to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Ask the experts: Speak to the lifeguards on duty for up-to-date advice and information on the local beach environment, including tides, sea state, and weather conditions.
• Be prepared: Remember that the sea temperature is still cold early in the season. Be prepared for any water activities you have planned by checking the weather forecast and local hazard signage to understand potential risks.
• Stay reachable: Always carry a reliable means of calling for help if you are heading out on the water.

"Our lifeguards have been training hard over the last couple of weeks in preparation for the season to come. They are looking forward to returning to the beaches, doing what they love, offering safety advice, and helping people so that they enjoy their day and go home safely." — Kester Sheppard, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for East Dorset

Celebrating 25 Years of Beach Safety

This year marks a special milestone, as 2026 is the 25th anniversary of RNLI beach lifeguards. Bournemouth proudly served as one of the original pilot locations back in 2001. Since then, lifeguards in Bournemouth and Poole have saved 188 lives, assisted 47,314 people, and responded to over 45,000 incidents.

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure, and commercial operations at BCP Council, welcomed the return of the teams:

"Their contribution, over the past 25 years, to helping people to stay safe on our beaches has been absolutely invaluable. We want all our residents and visitors to enjoy our coastline with confidence and so encourage everyone to choose a lifeguarded beach and follow the guidance in place."

Plan Your Visit

Before you head down to the sand, visitors are encouraged to double-check their nearest lifeguarded beach, service dates, and operating times by visiting the official RNLI website.

Enjoy your time on the coast, and remember to respect the water!

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Notes to Editors:

Award-Winning Coastline Beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole have once again been recognised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy among the UK’s very best for 2026, sweeping a total of six prestigious Blue Flags and nine Seaside Awards.

• Blue Flag Beaches (2026): Sandbanks (celebrating its 39th consecutive year), Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, and Highcliffe Beach. (The Blue Flag signifies exceptional water quality, strong environmental education programmes, and high safety standards).
• Seaside Awards (2026): All six Blue Flag beaches also received Seaside Awards, joined by Bournemouth Beach, Boscombe Beach, and Avon Beach.

Further Beach Safety Tips can be found at https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/beaches/beach-safety