Lifeguards patrol beaches to ensure visitors are safe.
EJ70 XDC
RNLI Lifeguards
Ford Ranger
Seen at a training exercise into how to get a vehicle out of sand when the wheels have started to sink. It is seen with planks under the tyres and a rope to pull the stricken vehicle out
HG64 FGV
RNLI Lifeguards
Mitsubishi L200
Seen at a training exercise into how to get a vehicle out of sand when the wheels have started to sink
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
Ford Ranger
In 2019, Ford won a large contract with the RNLI to provide a large number of Rangers for lifeguard use.
Seabob Rescue
This small rescue craft enables a lifeguard to move through water at 20 km/h to rescue casualties. The TFT display on the dashboard tells the rider all of the important figures like speed, depth and battery power. It is fitted with two water jets for propulsions that are battery powered (the battery lasts approximately 60 minutes). It can be used on water and under water with a maximum operating depth of an incredible 40 metres. It can tow up to 10 people in the water for mass rescues.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Suzuki Jimny lifeguard vehicle
HJ60 YHV RNLI Toyota Hilux lifeguard vehicle in use at Woolacombe, Devon
HJ60 OXW RNLI Toyota Hilux lifeguard vehicle in use at Woolacombe, Devon. Also showing a low flying RAF Sea King search and rescue helicopter.
HJ58 HFU RNLI Toyota Hilux
WA59 HZN RNLI Honda ATV (all terrain vehicle) towing boat A57
Southsea RNLI Lifeguards use this red 4×4 for beach patrol and rescue work.
HV61 ZPD West Wittering Estate Plc use this Toyota Hilux for lifeguard duties. It carries a similar look to RNLI lifeguard vehicles.
The rear view of the Hilux that is used at the beach at Chichester harbour.
This is Rescue Water Craft 15 (RWC-015), part of the RNLI’s beach lifeguard service.
A closer look at the side of the craft.
Here a demonstration shows how the float at the rear is sued to carry people back to shore.
A rear look at the float that is covered in handles to help people pull themselves onto it.
A very simple method of transport is this RNLI Lifeguard surf board. It is held in a special cradle and is picked up by lifeguards as they run from the lookout post to the sea.
J25313 This red Honda all-terrain vehicle is used to quickly move around large beaches by RNLI lifeguards.
The in use, as seen from the rear.
J25190 This Mitsubishi L200 is used on the beaches of Jersey by the RNLI as a lifeguard vehicle.
The car tows this jetski that is used to reach swimmers or surfers in trouble. The yellow float attached to the rear is for rescuees to pull themselves onto for a lift back to land.
The rear view as the car surveys the sea. As the tide ebbs and flows, the car moves to stay near the water’s edge.
In this shot, the same L200 demonstrates its 4×4 capabilities by driving through shallow water to the bemusement of two surfers.
J81532 This is a RNLI Beach Lifeguard Mitsubishi L200 4×4. Notice the surfboard, amber light bar and two loudspeakers for safety announcements.
K249 ROR This is a Lifeguard Toyota Hilux Surf. It carries a winch on the front and a clear light bar on the roof with “rescue” wording.
The rear view showing the “ambulance” markings and the high visibility spare tyre cover.
A look at the wording and logo on the side of the Hilux.
HD04 XZT On some busy beaches the RNLI operate lifeguards in the summer months. This white pick-up is used at Falmouth for beach patrols. It is fitted with amber flashing lights and a loudspeaker system to make announcements to the public. A rescue surf board can also be seen on the roof.
FH03 ERY is a Lifeguard Toyota Hi-Lux D4D, used at Filey near Scarborough. It is fitted with orange flashing beacons and a Tannoy. The Hi-Lux’s of-road capabilities mean that this vehicle is highly suited to driving on wet or dry sand, and well as on slippery inclines. [inset: rear view]