Keep Hayling’s Blue Flag Beach Safe – Sign the Petition for Lifeguards

NO LIFEGUARDS ON HAMPSHIRE’S BUSIEST BEACH

 This summer, thousands will head to Hayling Island’s Blue Flag beach — thinking someone is actually watching the water to keep us safe.

THEY AREN’T !!

Swimmers, children, paddleboarders and high-speed craft share the same sea.

Tides and conditions change fast.

There is NO full-time professional lifeguard on duty.

 RNLI lifeguards don’t just respond immediately — they prevent incidents, monitor constantly, and deliver water rescues and life-saving CPR when seconds matter.

Don’t wait for a tragedy. If you use this beach, this affects you.

SIGN -- SHARE -- ACT NOW!

As someone who frequently visits Beachlands Central, Hayling Island, during the busy summer months, I have seen how much this beach is loved by locals and visitors alike. Families, children, open water swimmers, kitesurfers, paddleboarders, and wing foilers all share this vibrant space. On hot days, the beach comes alive with people enjoying the sun, sea, and outdoor activities.

But beneath this beauty lies real danger.

The Risks

Strong tides and quick depth changes – Just 10 metres from the shore, the water depth increases rapidly, which can catch even experienced swimmers off guard.

Under currents – On a south-easterly wind, strong under currents can appear near the left of the Inn on the Beach pub and along the 2 km open water swim loop.

Multi-use hazards – Swimmers, children, paddleboarders, and high-speed watercraft such as kitesurfers and wing foilers share the same space, creating potential collisions.

No current lifeguard coverage – Despite the risks and high visitor numbers, Beachlands Central currently has no formal RNLI (or any other) lifeguard service or any meaningful safety patrols with continuous eyes on the water

Without professional supervision, these dangers could lead to preventable accidents or worse.

The Benefits of Lifeguards

Providing RNLI lifeguards at Beachlands Central would:

Offer active water supervision with continuous monitoring.

Ensure clear bathing zones and separation between swimmers and fast-moving craft.

Provide rapid rescue response with fully  trained professionals and essential equipment.

Deliver real-time public safety guidance and water safety education.

Bring Beachlands Central in line with Blue Flag standards, which recommends lifeguards on beaches with high visitor numbers.

In short, lifeguards don’t just save lives – their presence gives peace of mind to families, children, and all beachgoers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the water safely.

Why You Should Act

Beachlands Central is a popular beach with high visitor numbers, and the need for professional lifeguard services has never been more urgent. By signing this petition, you are:

Protecting yourself, your family, and fellow visitors from avoidable danger.

Supporting a structured, professional safety framework that aligns with national best practices.

Helping maintain the beach’s reputation as a safe, welcoming destination for all.

We all love Hayling’s Beachlands Central for its beauty and activities – now let’s ensure it stays safe for everyone.

Sign the petition today and help bring RNLI lifeguards to Beachlands Central. Your support could save lives.