RNLI Lifeguarding returning to North Norfolk this week

Date published: 21st May 2026

The RNLI Lifeguarding service returns this weekend to four North Norfolk beaches for the main summer season, in what will be the 25th anniversary of RNLI Lifeguarding in the UK.

Last season, across the nine lifeguarded beaches in North Norfolk, 54 full-time and part-time lifeguards were able to prevent or attend to life-changing or potentially fatal incidents on the beach and in the sea.

2025 season in numbers:

• 54 Lifeguards across 9 North Norfolk beaches 
• 345 incidents attended by Lifeguards 
• 173 incidents requiring first aid 
• 44 rescues 
• 5 lives saved

The 2026 lifeguarding season is split into two parts: a main and peak season for different lifeguarded beaches. The main lifeguard season runs from 23 May to 12 September, and the peak season runs from 11 July to 6 September.  

During these months, the lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10am to 6pm, if you notice an incident requiring emergency assistance outside of these hours, call 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.

Main Season beaches are:                            

• Cromer East Beach – 23 May to 12 September  

• Mundesley – 23 May to 12 September   

• Sea Palling – 23 May to 12 September    

• Sheringham West – 23 May to 12 September  

 

Peak Season beaches are:  

• Cromer East Beach  

• Mundesley    

• Sea Palling   

• Sheringham West  

• Cromer West Beach – 11 July to 6 September   

• East Runton – 11 July to 6 September    

• Sheringham East – 11 July to 6 September   

• West Runton – 11 July to 6 September   

As well as their critical cover for people who get into difficulty in the water, lifeguards are trained in First Aid. They can be called upon for first response in an emergency for incidents around the beaches or promenades.  

Cllr Liz Withington, portfolio holder for Communities, Leisure and Outreach, said:    

“We are delighted to welcome back the RNLI Lifeguards for the 2026 season this weekend.” 

“The RNLI lifeguards provide a vital service, not only responding to incidents in the water but also delivering first aid and emergency support along our promenades and beaches. Their professionalism, expertise and preventative work save lives and help people enjoy our coastline safely. 

“I would encourage everyone visiting our beaches this summer to follow lifeguard advice, swim between the flags where possible, and respect the sea. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and dedication of all the RNLI teams supporting North Norfolk this season.”

Dr Robin Price, Director of Quality, Environment and Assurance for Anglian Water, said:  

 “We know how important our beaches and rivers are for local communities and visitors alike - especially as we head into the summer season. We’ve invested over £300 million over the last 25 years to help protect our coastline

“We’re proud that all of North Norfolk’s bathing waters are rated ‘Excellent’, and we’re continuing to invest to make them even better. By working with partners and monitoring water quality closely, we’re helping people enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently this summer.”  
 
The Council has had a working relationship with the RNLI since 2007. Also, it works with Lifesaving Clubs and the Emergency Services to maintain and highlight water safety along the district’s 47 miles of coastline.  

NNDC is a member of the multi-agency partnership Norfolk Water Safety Forum, which leads on drowning prevention and water safety for coastal and inland waters throughout Norfolk.