RNLI Lifeguard contract extended for two years

Published Wednesday 20 July, 2022
Last updated on Wednesday 20 July, 2022

Swale Borough Council has extended the current Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) contract for two years.

The five-year contract was awarded to the RNLI back in 2017, with an option to extend for a further two years, taking it up to 31 December 2024.

The extension was discussed at the council’s first regeneration and property committee meeting where councillors agreed to extend the contract.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the regeneration and property committee at the council, said:

“The RNLI provide an essential service for us. With three award winning bathing beaches on Sheppey that are popular with residents and visitors, this extra layer of safety is important.

“The RNLI have been patrolling our beaches for nine years and their commitment to safety is excellent.

“We were recently awarded blue flags for all three of our bathing beaches at Sheerness, Leysdown and Minster, and having a lifeguard service is an important part of the award criteria.

“The RNLI provide a fantastic service that is extremely cost effective for us.

“We contribute to staff costs, and the lifeguard huts, powered watercraft and lifesaving equipment is all provided by the RNLI.

“The full, summer lifeguard service started at all three beaches this weekend, so visitors will have lifeguards on patrol every day until September.

“Remember, being able to see a lifeguard isn’t an excuse for taking risks, and even though a beach has lifeguards, it’s crucial to be careful in and around the water.”

The full report can be found here.