Lifeguards finish for the season at Southsea beaches as summer draws to a close
The RNLI lifeguards will return in Spring 2027
As summer draws to a close, the RNLI lifeguards will finish their watches at Southsea for the year on Sunday September 6.
It has been an exceptionally warm summer and lifeguards in Hampshire have had a busy season keeping hundreds of thousands of beachgoers safe.
“Lifeguards across West Sussex and Hampshire have worked tirelessly this season during the UK’s hottest summer on record,” said Sydney Horsted, the lead lifeguard for West Sussex and Hampshire.
“We have seen sustained high visitor numbers, particularly at Littlehampton East Beach, since the season started in May,” she said.
“It has been particularly challenging for the lifeguard team dealing with high numbers of incidents whilst also working outside in consistently high temperatures. I cannot thank them enough for their commitment to keeping the public safe over the last few months, showing exemplary resilience, professionalism and courage throughout.
“Lifeguards will return again in Spring 2027, in the meantime if you see anyone in difficulty in the sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” she said.
The RNLI encourages beachgoers to choose lifeguarded beaches if possible, but for swimmers who want to enjoy the sea outside of the lifeguard season, they urge people to follow their Float to Live guidance if they ever find themselves in trouble in the water.
This includes:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Try to relax and control your breathing
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or swim to safety
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
- Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
- Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
- Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.
During the off-season, RNLI lifeboat stations remain a 24-hour search and rescue service operation from 238 stations around the UK and Ireland.