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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Steven Morris

Number of people helped by RNLI in UK and Channel Islands doubled in 2025

RNLI United Kingdom Middle East
Four lifeguards in wetsuits labelled 'RNLI training'
Weymouth lifeguards in pre-season training. Photograph: RNLI/Nathan Williams

The number of people helped by RNLI lifeguards on the beaches of the UK and the Channel Islands doubled last year and the charity believes the Middle East crisis may lead to an even busier spring and summer in 2026.

While RNLI lifeguards went to the aid of about 18,000 people in 2023 and 2024, this leapt to more than 35,000 in 2025, the spike put down to a combination of good weather and an increased interest in seaside pursuits.

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