The event, held on International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, celebrates 25 years of RNLI lifeguards keeping people safer on beaches across the UK and Channel Islands, while encouraging people in London to follow vital water safety advice during the peak summer season.

Visitors to the event can see lifesaving kit and equipment normally found on busy beaches. The charity’s lifeguards will swap sandy beaches for the bustle of the capital as they descend on the city, bringing with them a beach lifeguard unit, lifeguard vehicle, jet ski, rescue board and all the equipment they need to keep people safe when they are patrolling beaches.

Since the charity’s beach lifeguard service launched in 2001, RNLI lifeguards have saved 2,165 lives, aided more than 459,000 people, responded to over 333,000 incidents and carried out more than 48 million preventative actions.

Peter Dawes, RNLI Lifeguard General Manager, said: ‘We are so excited to bring the beach to London, with our lifeguards swapping sandy beaches for the capital city as we celebrate 25 years of our lifeguard service.

‘It’s so important that people take steps to keep themselves safe when they head to the coast this summer, like visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.’

Matty McLeod is taking a break from his role as Lead Lifeguard Supervisor in Pembrokeshire to be part of the event at Potters Fields Park. He has also been invited to a special event at Kensington Palace on International Lifeguard Appreciation Day to receive an award known as the Thanks of the Institution from the HRH Duke of Kent in recognition of a dramatic rescue in July 2023.

Matty saved the life of Londoner Joanna Hicks who was visiting Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire. Joanna found herself in a rip current and was in difficulty, she had lost consciousness in the sea, was face down in the water and her life was in danger.

When Matty became aware of the situation, he immediately grabbed his rescue board and headed into the water. Matty dragged Joanna through the water to the shore, when the battle to bring her back to life began. With the help of a nurse on the beach, Matty gave Joanna CPR before handing over to the ambulance service.

Matty’s actions and the skill and professionalism he showed meant Joanna’s life was saved and she was able to make a full recovery.

Matty will receive the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum.

Peter Dawes, continued:

‘As a charity we are here to save lives at sea, Matty's actions on Newgale Beach did exactly that. He showed the skills he has learnt as a lifeguard to rescue Joanna and save her life.

‘Thanks to RNLI lifeguards like Matty 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.’

From beach safety and prevention to rescuing those in the water and delivering casualty care RNLI lifeguards are prepared to deal with any situation they might face.

If you are heading to the coast this Summer, visit a lifeguarded beach if possible. Your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach can be found here - https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.·

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by being water smart and following their beach safety advice.

 Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

 Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

 For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.

 If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.

 If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.

 In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

ENDS

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