Summer is almost here, and RNLI lifeguards on 150 beaches in England and Wales are getting ready for the crowds that will flock to the seaside in the glorious weather (here’s hoping!).

This year, the RNLI will provide lifeguard cover for the first time on beaches in the north of England (Ainsdale, Crosby, Formby, Southport, East Runton, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth Longsands and King Edwards Bay) and Wales (Aberavon).

There are established RNLI lifeguard units on the most popular beaches in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Norfolk, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Tyne and Wear.

The majority of a lifeguard's work is preventing incidents occuring. Look out for the RNLI Beach Safety roadshow at events and beaches in Cornwall, Dorset, Wales and the north east of England throughout the Summer.

The RNLI’s 2010 beach safety programme will be sponsored by Goodyear. This £50,000 donation is in addition to £70,000 the tyre manufacturer has given to the charity over the past 3 years. (Also see page 43.)

Another big name supporting the RNLI’s work on the beaches this Summer is Helly Hansen, official supplier to RNLI lifeguards. The company is providing highquality clothing to lifeguards on selected beaches. The kit is designed to perform under the challenging conditions faced by lifeguards.

We look forward to seeing you at a lifeguarded beach soon!