The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) provides beach safety in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Which beaches have lifeguards
Lifeguards are on duty daily at the following beaches every year, from 10am to 6pm:
- Alum Chine beach from 25 May to 1 September
- Avon beachfrom 13 July to 1 September
- Boscombe East beach from 29 March to 29 September
- Boscombe West beach from 29 March to 29 September
- Bournemouth East beach from 29 March to 29 September
- Bournemouth West beach from 29 March to 29 September
- Branksome Chine beach 25 May to 1 September
- Durley Chine beach from 25 May to 1 September
- East Cliff beach from 13 July to 1 September
- Fisherman’s Walk beach from 25 May to 1 September
- Friars Cliff beach from 13 July to 1 September
- Manor Steps beach from 13 July to 1 September
- Sandbanks beach from 29 March to 29 September
- Shore road beach from 13 July to 1 September
- Southbourne beach from 25 May to 1 September
Please follow the RNLI's beach safety messages when heading to the beach.
Designated bathing areas
Designated bathing areas are marked out on beaches using the RNLI's red and yellow flags. These flags show the areas that are patrolled by lifeguards.
In these designated bathing areas, you are now allowed to use:
- boats
- personal watercraft
- wind or kite surfers
- large, solid body boards
Our seafront rangers
Our friendly team of seafront rangers are there to give advice and help you enjoy the seafront.
As well as walking along the promenades and beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the team work from beach offices at:
- Sandbanks
- Shore Road (seasonal)
- Branksome Chine (seasonal)
- Alum Chine (seasonal)
- Durley Chine (seasonal)
- Bournemouth
- Boscombe
- Fisherman’s Walk (seasonal)
- Southbourne (seasonal)