Beach Safety

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: 25 May to 1 September
• Durley Chine - daily: 25 May to 1 September
• Bournemouth West - daily: 29 March to 29 September
• Bournemouth East - daily: 29 March to 29 September
• East Cliff - daily: 13 July to 1 September
• Boscombe West - daily: 29 March to 29 September
• Boscombe East - daily: 29 March to 29 September
• Manor Steps - daily: 13 July to 1 September
• Fisherman’s Walk - daily: 25 May to 1 September
• Southbourne - daily: 25 May to 1 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.

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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.

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.

Please respect, protect and enjoy our beaches

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.