Keep Hayling’s Blue Flag Beach Safe – Support RNLI Lifeguards at Beachlands Central
Every summer, thousands of people visit Beachlands Central on Hayling Island to swim, paddleboard, wing foil, kitesurf, and enjoy the sea with their families.
Despite being one of Hampshire’s busiest beaches, there is currently no full-time professional lifeguard service overseeing the main bathing area during peak periods.
Beach conditions can change quickly. Strong tides, rapidly changing water depth, and the mix of swimmers with fast-moving watercraft create genuine safety risks — particularly during busy summer weekends and holidays.
RNLI lifeguards do far more than respond to emergencies. Their presence helps prevent incidents before they happen through active beach supervision, safety advice, public reassurance, and rapid emergency response when seconds matter.
The Risks
• Rapid depth changes close to shore can catch inexperienced swimmers off guard.
• Strong undercurrents can develop during south-easterly winds, particularly near the Inn on the Beach and sections of the open water swim route.
• Swimmers, children, paddleboarders, and high-speed craft often share the same water space, increasing the risk of collisions.
• There is currently no dedicated seasonal RNLI lifeguard coverage at Beachlands Central during peak visitor periods.
Why Lifeguards Matter
Providing RNLI lifeguards at Beachlands Central would:
• Deliver active water supervision and faster emergency response.
• Improve safety management between bathers and watercraft users.
• Provide professional rescue capability and immediate first aid or CPR.
• Promote water safety awareness for visitors and families.
• Help support the beach’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
Beachlands Central is one of the South Coast’s most popular beaches. As visitor numbers continue to grow, professional seasonal lifeguard coverage is becoming increasingly important.
Please sign and share this petition to help bring RNLI lifeguards to Beachlands Central, Hayling Island.