Lifeguards return to North Coast beaches as RNLI marks 15 years of safety in Northern Ireland

(Photo Credit: Nathan Williams)

Lifeguards will return to the sands of the North Coast this Good Friday, marking a significant double milestone for the RNLI as the charity enters a new season of coastal protection.

From 3 April to 12 April, six of the region’s most popular beaches will be patrolled daily between 10am and 6pm. The seasonal rollout coincides with the 25th anniversary of the RNLI’s lifeguarding service across the UK, and a special 15-year anniversary for the service specifically in Northern Ireland.

Where to find patrols

Beachgoers planning an Easter outing can find professional safety cover at:

• Benone Strand

• Portstewart Strand

• Portrush West Strand

• Portrush East Strand

• Whiterocks

• Ballycastle

Following the initial Easter period, the charity confirmed that lifeguard cover will continue across weekends throughout April, May, and June.

A legacy of lifesaving

Since the RNLI established its lifeguarding presence in Northern Ireland in 2011, the impact on community safety has been profound. In the last 15 years, lifeguards have responded to 2,381 incidents and assisted 487 people along the coastline.

Michael Thompson, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead, noted that the team is "fully prepared" following intensive pre-season training in casualty care, fitness tests, and vehicle handling.

"Around 95% of a lifeguard’s work is prevention," Thompson explained. "They keep beachgoers safe by educating them about water safety and spotting the dangers before accidents happen."

Strong community partnerships

The service is operated in close collaboration with local authorities. Councillor Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and a former RNLI lifeboat volunteer, praised the ongoing partnership.

"I fully appreciate the dedication and skill it takes to keep people safe at our beaches," Councillor McMullan said.

"We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the RNLI, which has protected our coastline since 2011."

As the charity celebrates "Lifeguard 25," it is calling on the public to support the continued training and equipping of these essential first responders.

Essential beach safety advice

For those visiting the coast this summer, the RNLI recommends four key steps:

1. Swim between the flags: Always choose a lifeguarded beach and stay within the red and yellow flagged zones.

2. Float to Live: If you fall into the water unexpectedly, fight your instinct to thrash. Lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float. Find out more here.

3. Check the environment: Always look at weather and tide times before setting off.

4. Emergency protocol: If you see someone in trouble, do not enter the water. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

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At a glance

• What: RNLI lifeguards return to the North Coast for the Easter holidays.

• When: Daily patrols from Good Friday (3 April) to Sunday 12 April, 10am–6pm.

• Locations: Benone, Portstewart, Portrush (West and East), Whiterocks, and Ballycastle.

• Milestone: 2026 marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguarding in the UK and 15 years in Northern Ireland.

• Impact: Since 2011, NI lifeguards have responded to over 2,300 incidents.

• Safety Advice: The public is urged to "Float to Live" and always swim between the red and yellow flags.