Southport beachgoers left without lifeguards on hottest day

30th May 2020

Lifeguards are starting patrols on Crosby Beach from today but there’s been no mention of Southport getting the same support.

Recent hot weather and the easing of lockdown has led to thousands of people flocking to beaches and a busy period for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteer lifeboat crew.

The charity is urging anyone planning to visit the coast to make sure they follow safety advice to keep themselves and their families safe. The reminder comes as the RNLI begins the first phase of its lifeguard service roll out, with patrols starting today (May 30) at Crosby beach.

However there are no patrols in the north of Sefton according to an RNLI spokesperson

Despite the challenges posed by coronavirus and social distancing, the RNLI hopes to provide a lifeguard service on around 30% of the beaches the charity usually covers in time for the traditional peak summer season. The remainder of these beaches will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Since the easing of restrictions, the charity has focussed on re-establishing the infrastructure required for the lifeguard service – something made more complicated by the charity’s responsibility to make sure lifeguards are operating safely during a pandemic. During a normal summer, this takes time and includes recruitment, training, and the ordering and distributing of equipment and facilities to beaches.