Lifeguards and beach safety
Where to find lifeguards on beaches in Bournemouth and Poole, plus information on where you can swim in safety.
Lifeguards
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) provides beach safety in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, funded by BCP Council.
Lifeguards are on duty at the following main Bournemouth beaches every year, from 10am to 6pm.
- Alum Chine - daily: 27 May to 3 September
- Durley Chine - daily: 27 May to 3 September
- Bournemouth West - daily: 1 April to 24 September
- Bournemouth East - daily: 1 April to 24 September
- East Cliff - daily: 15 July to 3 September
- Boscombe West - daily: 27 May to 3 September
- Boscombe East - daily: 1 April to 24 September
- Manor Steps - daily: 15 July to 3 September
- Fisherman’s Walk - daily: 27 May to 3 September
- Southbourne - daily: 27 May to 3 September.
For exact locations and patrol times of the lifeguarded beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole visit the RNLI website.
Please follow the RNLI's beach safety messages when heading to the beach.
- Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
- Check the weather and tide times before you go
- If you get caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it – instead, relax and float until you are free from the rip, then swim to safety
- If you find yourself in danger in the water, relax and float.
Designated bathing areas
Designated bathing areas are marked out on beaches using the RNLI's red and yellow flags. These flags indicate areas patrolled by lifeguards.
In designated bathing areas, these craft are not permitted:
- boats
- personal watercraft
- wind or kite surfers
- large, solid body boards.
Seafront Rangers
Our friendly team of Seafront Rangers are there to give advice and help you enjoy the Bournemouth seafront.
As well as patrolling the promenades and beaches, the team work from Bournemouth beach offices at:
- Alum Chine (seasonal)
- Durley Chine (seasonal)
- Bournemouth
- Boscombe
- Fisherman’s Walk (seasonal)
- Southbourne (seasonal).
Dogs on beaches
Dogs are allowed on all beaches from 1 October to 30 April. At all times you must clean up after your dog. Failure to comply risks a fine of up to £1000.
From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on any of our Blue Flag or Seaside Award beaches and dogs must be kept on the lead on all promenades, piers, zig zags and footpaths at all times.
Keeping children safe
Free to all visitors and residents, the Allianz KidZone is a beach safety scheme which protects and reunites lost children and vulnerable adults with their families or guardians during the busy summer months by the sea. The Allianz KidZone scheme runs from 14 July up to (and including) 3 September.
Stay in touch – Stay together – Stay safe
- Grab a free wristband from the Allianz KidZone, BCP Seafront Staff or RNLI Lifeguard Towers
- Write a parent or guardian’s mobile number on the wristband of your child or vulnerable adult
- Agree on a safe meeting place in case you get split up, like the RNLI Lifeguard Towers
- Stay close, and don’t let your child go near the sea without you
For more information please take a look at our KidZone Beach Safety FAQ's
Hydrate and stay safe in the sun
Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety in the UK and abroad can be found via the NHS website.
Keep the whole family hydrated in hot weather. Getting drinking water is now even easier. Bring a reusable bottle and get free fresh water across the seafront – you can locate our hydration stations easily by their fabulous bright signage or by using the free refill app. Why not download it before you set out for the day.
Our number one priority is ensuring that people enjoy our beautiful resort in a safe and responsible way; looking after our local community, our visitors and precious environment.
Please dispose of your rubbish carefully using the bins provided or take it home and Leave only Footprints.
Do stay safe and enjoy your visit to Bournemouth's beautiful beaches.