04/07/2025
RNLI Lifeguards Commence Full-Time Beach Patrols
RNLI lifeguards have now transitioned to their full-time operational schedule, patrolling a total of 11 beaches along the Causeway Coast and in County Down. These patrols will run daily from 10:00 to 18:00 until Saturday, 31 August 2025, marking the kick-off of the peak summer season for beach safety.
The beaches now under full-time RNLI lifeguard supervision include:
• Causeway Coast: Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West, Portrush East, Whiterocks, and Ballycastle beaches.
• County Down: Tyrella, Murlough, and Cranfield beaches.
New and returning RNLI lifeguards have undergone extensive pre-season training over the past month, covering essential skills such as casualty care, fitness testing, in-water lifesaving techniques, and watercraft operations, ensuring they are fully prepared for the demands of the summer.
In 2024, RNLI lifeguards across Northern Ireland performed five rescues, assisted over 235 individuals, and responded to more than 204 incidents, underscoring their vital role in ensuring beach safety.
Michael Thompson, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead, expressed enthusiasm for the season: "We're thrilled to have our full team of RNLI lifeguards back on duty at all 11 beaches this Summer. Our lifeguards are fully trained in all aspects of beach safety so anyone visiting the beach with any queries should always approach a lifeguard, who will be more than willing to help or offer expert advice."
The charity has collaborated closely with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the National Trust, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to prepare for what is anticipated to be another busy summer season.
Councillor Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, welcomed the full-time return of the lifeguards: "As Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens I very much welcome the full time return of beach lifeguards here in our Council area. Our beaches remain a really valuable outdoor asset enjoyed by our residents and visitors. As a previous RNLI volunteer in my younger years, I know the RNLI is invaluable to help ensure everyone has a safe visit to Causeway Coast and Glens. I extend my heartfelt thanks for the important lifesaving service they provide."
When visiting the beach this summer remember:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone.
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
The beaches now under full-time RNLI lifeguard supervision include:
• Causeway Coast: Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West, Portrush East, Whiterocks, and Ballycastle beaches.
• County Down: Tyrella, Murlough, and Cranfield beaches.
New and returning RNLI lifeguards have undergone extensive pre-season training over the past month, covering essential skills such as casualty care, fitness testing, in-water lifesaving techniques, and watercraft operations, ensuring they are fully prepared for the demands of the summer.
In 2024, RNLI lifeguards across Northern Ireland performed five rescues, assisted over 235 individuals, and responded to more than 204 incidents, underscoring their vital role in ensuring beach safety.
The charity has collaborated closely with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the National Trust, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to prepare for what is anticipated to be another busy summer season.
Councillor Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, welcomed the full-time return of the lifeguards: "As Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens I very much welcome the full time return of beach lifeguards here in our Council area. Our beaches remain a really valuable outdoor asset enjoyed by our residents and visitors. As a previous RNLI volunteer in my younger years, I know the RNLI is invaluable to help ensure everyone has a safe visit to Causeway Coast and Glens. I extend my heartfelt thanks for the important lifesaving service they provide."
When visiting the beach this summer remember:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water - don't allow your family to swim alone.
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2017
RNLI Beach Lifeguard Unit Vandalised At Whiterocks
Around £800 damage has been caused to an RNLI beach lifeguard unit at Whiterocks on the Causeway Coast after it was vandalised. The incident happened overnight on Tuesday, 18 July, and extensive damage has been caused.
RNLI Beach Lifeguard Unit Vandalised At Whiterocks
Around £800 damage has been caused to an RNLI beach lifeguard unit at Whiterocks on the Causeway Coast after it was vandalised. The incident happened overnight on Tuesday, 18 July, and extensive damage has been caused.
24 July 2015
Smoke Mortar Found On Murlough Beach
RNLI lifeguards red flagged a section of Murlough Beach, Newcastle, Co Down, on Thursday afternoon after an unidentifiable object was discovered. A child went up to the RNLI lifeguard beach unit with an old and rusty metal object which he had discovered while digging in the sand.
Smoke Mortar Found On Murlough Beach
RNLI lifeguards red flagged a section of Murlough Beach, Newcastle, Co Down, on Thursday afternoon after an unidentifiable object was discovered. A child went up to the RNLI lifeguard beach unit with an old and rusty metal object which he had discovered while digging in the sand.
12 August 2015
Boy Rescued After Getting Into Difficulty At Downhill Beach
An eight-year-old boy has been rescued at Downhill Beach on the Causeway Coast after he got into difficulty on a bodyboard 50 metres out to sea on Tuesday. An RNLI lifeguard was on patrol when he spotted the child in difficulty and immediately seized his rescue board and helped the young boy.
Boy Rescued After Getting Into Difficulty At Downhill Beach
An eight-year-old boy has been rescued at Downhill Beach on the Causeway Coast after he got into difficulty on a bodyboard 50 metres out to sea on Tuesday. An RNLI lifeguard was on patrol when he spotted the child in difficulty and immediately seized his rescue board and helped the young boy.
04 July 2018
RNLI Rescue Teenagers Caught In Rip Current
Three teenagers have been rescued by RNLI lifeguards from the sea off Portrush East Strand after being caught in a rip current. Lifeguards Josh McCaw and Nicola McIlroy were patrolling the beach on Tuesday afternoon when at 12.50pm, Josh spotted three swimmers in the sea 300m east of the lifeguarded patrol zone.
RNLI Rescue Teenagers Caught In Rip Current
Three teenagers have been rescued by RNLI lifeguards from the sea off Portrush East Strand after being caught in a rip current. Lifeguards Josh McCaw and Nicola McIlroy were patrolling the beach on Tuesday afternoon when at 12.50pm, Josh spotted three swimmers in the sea 300m east of the lifeguarded patrol zone.
18 July 2016
Two Body Boarders Rescued From Beach In Portrush
Two body boarders have been rescued after getting trapped in a cave at Whiterocks beach in Portrush, Co Antrim. A member of the public raised the alarm at around 4.30pm on Sunday, 17 July.
Two Body Boarders Rescued From Beach In Portrush
Two body boarders have been rescued after getting trapped in a cave at Whiterocks beach in Portrush, Co Antrim. A member of the public raised the alarm at around 4.30pm on Sunday, 17 July.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.