Nationally, the RNLI is celebrating its 25th anniversary of RNLI lifeguarding. First piloted in south west England on 15 beaches, the service has since expanded to reach over 90 lifeguarded beaches in the region and 245 nationally.

As the charity marks these milestones, its Jersey lifesavers are training ahead of starting patrols for the 2026 season on Le Braye at St Ouen’s for the Easter school holidays.

Since 2011, RNLI lifeguards in Jersey have saved 23 lives and aided 4,846 people through rescues, interventions and delivering casualty care. They have responded to 4,007 incidents and carried out more than 600,000 preventative actions.

Beach lifeguarding had long been established in Jersey before the RNLI service was introduced, with lifeguards from all over the world working in Jersey keeping locals and visitors safe under the service run by the States of Jersey. In 2011 the RNLI took over the service and now provides opportunities for locals to become professionally trained lifeguards, creating a sustainable, locally-staffed and managed service.

Operating on St Ouen’s, St Brelades Bay, Plémont and Grève de Lecq during the peak of the summer season, the charity’s lifeguards work alongside the Jersey RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews at St Catherine and St Helier.

While celebrating 15 years of lifeguarding in Jersey, the lifesaving charity is commemorating the introduction of RNLI lifeguarding 25 years ago when it started as a pilot scheme in south west England. Back in 2001, the RNLI took action when stark figures showed 200 lives were lost on UK beaches. Lifesaving clubs were already patrolling but not on the scale required. The RNLI wanted to provide a solution and established a coordinated rescue service. Working with lifesaving clubs and beach owners, the RNLI piloted lifeguarded beaches in the south west* and the results spoke for themselves as 20 lives were saved in the first year.

It led to an official service being formed and advancement in the equipment and training available to lifeguards. Safety literature information and warning signs were also developed for beaches so visitors knew what dangers they may encounter and how to keep themselves safe.

Year on year the RNLI’s lifeguard service has grown through working closely with partners, and now there are over 245 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands being patrolled, meaning it’s the largest lifeguard service provider in the UK.

Peter Dawes, RNLI Lifeguard General Manager, said:

‘Thanks to RNLI lifeguards our beaches are safer places, so we can enjoy our time at the coast and return home safely at the end of the day. Around 95% of a lifeguard’s work is prevention. They keep beachgoers safe by educating them about water safety and spotting the dangers before accidents happen.

‘RNLI lifeguards past and present have kept millions of beach visitors safe over the past 25 years and will continue to do so for years to come. If you are planning a visit to the coast this summer, please remember to visit a lifeguarded beach.’

States of Jersey Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: ‘As we celebrate 15 years of RNLI lifeguard cover on Jersey’s beaches, we are really proud to recognise the incredible contribution the lifeguard team makes to the safety and enjoyment of both Islanders and visitors. Our long-standing partnership with the RNLI continues to strengthen Jersey’s reputation as a vibrant, welcoming, and safe coastal destination. As the new season gets underway, we’re especially grateful for the dedication, skill and enthusiasm that every lifeguard brings to our shores.

‘Jersey’s beaches are among the most stunning in the British Isles, our bays attract thousands of people eager to make the most of island life. But with this beauty comes the challenge of one of the world’s largest tidal ranges and the ever-changing character of the sea. That’s why the presence of highly trained RNLI lifeguards is so important. Their friendliness and expertise provide confidence and reassurance to everyone enjoying our coastline, helping ensure memorable days at the beach are also safe ones.’

Jake Elms, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, grew up on Jersey’s beaches and with his strong connection to the local coastline, it felt like a natural move to join the RNLI in 2013. He said: