The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) observed International Lifeguard Appreciation Day on Friday, July 31, celebrating a quarter-century of beach patrols across the UK and Channel Islands.
Since 2001, RNLI lifeguards have saved 2,165 lives and assisted more than 459,000 people.
>>> De Minaur Ends Hewitt's Washington Run to Reach Quarterfinals
A Decade of Dedication on the Lincolnshire Coast
Liam Sumner, a senior lifeguard in his 11th season, represents the service's ongoing commitment. He followed his father, a former RNLI lifeboat volunteer, into the role in 2016.
On May 29, Sumner rescued two young non-swimmers who slipped beneath the water near a steep bank at Mablethorpe beach.
He grabbed a floatation tube and ran into the sea, finding both beneath the surface.
“I threw the floatation tube into the water and scooped each of them up by under the arms,” Sumner recalled.
The distressed children grabbed the tube, and he guided them back to shore, where their relieved parents waited.
Sumner described the reward of the job: “There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you have saved a life.”
>>> M25 Closure Near Godstone Causes Severe Rush-Hour Delays
He remains touched by being called a ‘guardian angel’ after a rescue at Ingoldmells.
He also noted busier beaches due to recent heatwaves, requiring heightened vigilance and readiness for societal issues like anti-social behaviour.
“Our priority is always prevention,” he said.
RNLI management highlighted that 95 percent of lifeguard duties focus on prevention, such as managing swim zones and advising on rip currents at over 245 patrolled beaches.
Peter Dawes, RNLI Lifeguard General Manager, thanked all lifeguards for their extraordinary contribution to public safety.
>>> Spanish Premier Faces Crisis Over Massive Ceuta Border Breach
The charity advises visitors to choose patrolled beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags this summer.
