Lifeguard cover on one of the country’s most popular beaches is to be extended for an extra month thanks to an agreement between Rother District Council and the RNLI.

The lifeguard season had been due to end on Camber Central beach this Sunday (October 4) but the lifeguards, in their distinctive red and yellow uniforms, will now be on the beach at weekends up to Sunday 25 October and then everyday for the whole of half term from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November.

It means there will be an extra thirteen days of lifeguard cover on a beach which regularly attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country. Joe Mitchell, Area Lifesaving Manager for the RNLI, said the agreement between Rother District Council and the RNLI was great news for visitors and locals alike.

‘Our lifeguards at Camber have had a busy summer with coronavirus restrictions meaning more people than ever have been holidaying at home, so having them there for an extra month, particularly during what can be a busy half term is fantastic news.’ he said.

During the summer season lifeguards at Camber have responded to numerous incidents in the water, provided casualty care for minor and major medical incidents, helped find lost children and provided vital safety advice and guidance which prevented more incidents occurring.

In one of many notable incidents during the season, RNLI lifeguards at Central beach saved a boy from drowning after his brother alerted them that his sibling couldn’t swim: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2020/july/14/boys-saved-from-drowning-off-camber-coast2

Rother District Council Leader, Councillor Doug Oliver said: ‘It is very welcome news that RNLI lifeguards are going to be on duty at Camber Central beach until November 1 and I would like to thank them for their sterling work at Camber over the last few months.

‘Despite the extended lifeguard presence at the beach I strongly encourage people to take responsibility for their own safety when visiting and be aware of the potential dangers of the sea’.

Lifeguard cover at Camber West beach will finish on Sunday 4 October so those wanting to swim are urged to visit the lifeguarded beach at Camber Central and do so within the red and yellow flags.

With autumn beginning to close in, Area Lifesaving Manager Joe Mitchell advised anyone heading to the coast to put safety first:

‘With many people staying in the UK this autumn we know it’s likely there will be more people visiting the coast this year than usual, particularly on warmer days. We would urge anyone heading to a beach to do some research before their visit into the local conditions, check the tide timetables and weather and take a means of communication with them.

Take note of the safety signage at the entrance, go with a friend or tell someone on the shore where you’re going, and always be aware of the conditions and your own capabilities in the water’.

Published: 2nd October 2020