Beach Lifeguards
Ryde Beach Lifeguards was formed in 2012 with an aim to provide qualified lifeguard supervision on Ryde Sands, due to local authority spending cuts leading to a lack of lifeguard supervision.
The Isle of Wight is a popular tourist destination in the summer months and its beaches are known to become extremely busy, especially those in Ryde with a unusual tidal range.
The service covers both Ryde Sands and Sandown Bay, funded by the local town councils.
How to become a Beach Lifeguard
If you are interested in becoming a Beach Lifeguard, contact us below.
You will need to have or be willing to get an RLSS NVBLQ qualification. This is the UK Beach Lifeguard Qualification.
The recruitment process involves an interview, followed by a 400 metres fitness test in the pool, that must be completed in under 8 minutes.
The main role of a Beach Lifeguard is to protect the visitors to beaches, as well as providing first aid, finding lost children, tourist information and enforcing by-laws.
Lifeguard Stations
Ryde
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The Beach Lifeguards are located on the beach to the west of the harbour, directly behind the Big Kahuna cafe.
The service operates in the May half term, as well as the months on July and August, from 11am to 6pm.
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Sandown
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The Beach Lifeguards are located on the beach to the east of the pier between the monument and Steves Beach.
The service operates throughout the months on July and August, from 11am to 6pm.
Beach Safety
Ryde
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The service wouldn't be the same without nurturing our next generation of Beach Lifeguards.
To ensure RBLG has the very best Lifeguards, we introduced our Beach Rookie Lifeguard Program to teach essential lifesaving skills at a young age, with these Rookies having the opportunity to volunteer with our Beach Lifeguards in July and August to obtain real life experience in the day to day of a real Lifeguard.
The opportunity is only offered to Rookies ages 14+ who we feel would add benefit to the service, by demonstrating maturity, professionalism, high level of fitness and lifesaving knowledge.
Our Beach Safety volunteers are a great asset to the service and allow the Lifeguards to utilise the Beach Safety to offer increased surveillance, assistance with minor first aid incidents and much more.
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Applications for Beach Safety are accepted during our normal period of recruitment in January.
Beach Rookie Lifeguards
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Every summer RBLG runs its Rookie Lifeguard Program. The program is aimed at children aged 8 to 15, who are strong swimmers and want to get a taster of what it takes to become a lifeguard.
The course includes lifesaving skills taught in the pool and ocean, as well as team activities and theory.
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Dates and times are advertised on social media each year @rydebeachlifeguards
 Always swim between the flags |  It's not safe to swim |  Water Sports Zone - Not safe for swimming |  Be aware of strong currents |
|---|---|---|---|
 Beware of Weever Fish |  Slip, Slap, Slop |
Water Treatment
Fact Sheet
Beach Wheelchair
With the support of Sandown Town Council, Southern Water and Wight Aid, we were able to purchase beach wheelchairs for our patrolled beaches.The beach wheelchairs are available free of charge for hire from our Lifeguards in Ryde and Sandown.
The beach wheelchair provides access to the beach for adults and young people living with disability.
This is only available to hire when the Beach Lifeguards are on duty during the months of July and August, between the hours of 11am and 6pm.
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Hirers need to:
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Follow safety procedures
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Sign a hire and indemnity form
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Only use the beach wheelchair between the flags as patrolled by the Beach Lifeguards
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Make sure carers assist in using the beach wheelchair
