RNLI lifeguards provide festive cheer on Boscombe beach this Christmas

The south west’s only year-round RNLI lifeguards are preparing to postpone their festive plans to spend their Christmas patrolling the sands at Boscombe in Dorset. The two RNLI lifeguards will provide safety cover throughout the festive season*, including Christmas day and the New Year, when last year over 12,500 people visited Boscombe beach.

Throughout the south west, thousands of RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew are on call and ready to save lives at sea throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday. Joining them on duty are RNLI lifeguards John Simmonds and Justin White who are part of a team who provide safety cover on Europe’s first artificial surf reef at Boscombe 365 days a year.

RNLI lifeguard John Simmonds, 28, who worked though the recent snow and sub-zero temperatures in Dorset, is looking forward to his first Christmas on the beach, he says;

‘When you say you’ll be working on the beach this Christmas, people have images of Bondi in the sunshine, not Boscombe! Despite the unfortunate difference in temperature, I am sure the festive period will be just as much fun in Dorset. It was fairly busy for the RNLI lifeguards on duty last year with plenty of people opting for a Christmas or New Year dip in the sea and it’s great that we are able to provide them with a lifeguarded beach to come to. There will also be those with new surfboards, kayaks and wetsuits who are always eager to try it out as soon as possible.’

The charity’s lifeguards are also offering safety advice to anyone tempted to brave the cold water this winter. Senior RNLI lifeguard Justin White (24) who will be missing Christmas with his family in Wales says;

‘We’d suggest anyone planning to go into the water at this time of year to ensure that they are fully prepared with the appropriate clothing and equipment for the conditions as the water is extremely cold. The beach is a great place to spend time on a sunny winter’s day and if you are heading down to Boscombe, please do come and say hello.’

For the charity’s biggest day of fundraising, RNLI SOS Day on Friday 28 January 2011, the RNLI lifeguards on Boscombe beach will Swimin Our Speedos. John and Justin are also taking the opportunity to urge others to come up with their own SOS challenge to raise vital funds for the RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews. For SOS Day inspiration, or to search for an SOS event in your area, visitwww.rnli.org.uk/sos  

* The festive period runs from 23 December to New Year’s Day