RNLI lifeguards keeping bathers safe on the north coast over Easter break
With thousands of visitors heading to the north coast during the Easter holidays, the RNLI has reminded the public that lifeguards will be on duty on six Causeway Coast beaches.
The lifeguards will be on duty from 10am-6pm on Benone Strand, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West Strand, Portrush East Strand, Whiterocks and Ballycastle until Sunday, April 12.
Following that, a weekend lifeguard service will be provided for the months of April, May and June.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the RNLI lifeguard service and the 15th anniversary of RNLI lifeguard service in Northern Ireland.
In that time, RNLI lifeguards have responded to 2,381 incidents and came to aid of 487 people in Northern Ireland. In the 25th year, the charity is celebrating its lifeguards and asking more people to support the RNLI in training and equipping them.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said: 'As Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, and as a former RNLI lifeboat volunteer myself, I fully appreciate the dedication and skill it takes to keep people safe at our beaches.
"We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the RNLI, which has protected our coastline since 2011.
"As we celebrate Lifeguard 25 across the UK, I want to personally thank all the RNLI lifeguards for their training, commitment, and lifesaving work here in Causeway Coast and Glens."
Michael Thompson, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead said: "It is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all RNLI lifeguards.
“Around 95% of a lifeguard’s work is prevention. If you are planning a visit to the coast this summer, please remember to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach."