Where to find lifeguards on beaches in Bournemouth and Poole, plus information on where you can swim in safety.

Lifeguards

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) provides beach safety in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, funded by BCP Council.  

Lifeguards are on duty at the following main beaches every year, from 10am to 6pm.

Poole

• Sandbanks - daily: 1 April to 24 September
• Shore road - daily: 15 July to 3 September
• Branksome Chine - daily: 27 May to 3 September.

Bournemouth

• Alum Chine - daily: 27 May to 3 September
• Durley Chine - daily: 27 May to 3 September
• Bournemouth West - daily: 1 April to 24 September
• Bournemouth East - daily: 1 April to 24 September
• East Cliff - daily: 15 July to 3 September
• Boscombe West - daily: 27 May to 3 September
• Boscombe East - daily: 1 April to 24 September
• Manor Steps - daily: 15 July to 3 September
• Fisherman’s Walk - daily: 27 May to 3 September
• Southbourne - daily: 27 May to 3 September.

Christchurch

• Avon - daily: 15 July to 3 September
• Friars Cliff - daily: 15 July to 3 September
• Highcliffe - daily: 15 July to 3 September.

During the main season there are lifeguard stations at beaches between Sandbanks and Highcliffe. For exact locations and patrol times of the lifeguarded beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole visit the RNLI website.

Designated bathing areas  

Designated bathing areas are marked out on beaches using the RNLI's red and yellow flags. These flags indicate areas patrolled by lifeguards.

In designated bathing areas, these craft are not permitted:

• boats
• personal watercraft
• wind or kite surfers
• large, solid body boards.

Seafront Rangers  

Our friendly team of Seafront Rangers are there to give advice and help you enjoy the seafront.

As well as patrolling 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).