To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard Service, a lifeguard installation is being installed in St Andrew Square today – Lifeguard Appreciation Day, (Friday 31st July 2026).
Launching in 2001, following a successful pilot scheme in South-West England, over over 245 beaches are now patrolled by RNLI lifeguards.
RNLI lifeguards were first introduced in Scotland on Coldingham Bay in 2013, and the team has been expanding ever since. They can now be found on 8 Scottish beaches throughout the summer season.
Since the service began in Scotland, RNLI lifeguards have saved 8 lives, aided more than 3,500 people, responded to over 2,400 incidents and carried out more than 560,000 preventative actions.
RNLI lifeguards are best known for rescuing people in difficulty in the water, but much of their work takes place before an incident ever develops.
Around 95% of a lifeguard’s role is prevention, from advising swimmers about rip currents and changing conditions to helping families stay safe on the beach and reuniting lost children with their parents.
Lachlan Edwards, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says: “International Lifeguard Day is an opportunity to celebrate our fantastic and dedicated lifeguard team, both past and present.
“We have a team of around 40 lifeguards, including volunteer lifeguards, who help keep the public safe and well informed. They not only work across our eight beaches, providing casualty care, support and carrying out rescues, they also work in local primary schools and help educate communities on water safety at events throughout the year.
“Having been part of the team since 2015 I have seen first-hand how the service in Scotland has grown and the impact our lifeguards have had is remarkable. We look forward to growing the team further and continuing to provide this lifesaving service.”
Owen McQueenie is a senior lifeguard who joined the service in 2019, inspired by his dad, Martin, and older sister, Tamsin, who were both RNLI lifeguards.
Owen says: ‘Being part of the lifeguard team is incredibly rewarding. I have always loved being in and around the water and surfing with my family, so being able to do this as a job, while helping to protect the public is really awesome.
‘I was inspired by my dad and sister to get involved with the RNLI lifeguard team. It’s great to work in the same field as my family and be able to share our experiences after our shifts. They were a huge support when I became a senior lifeguard, and I’m proud to follow in their footsteps.’
Owen recently assisted two girls who were caught by the wind on their paddleboard at Coldingham Bay and safely guided them back to the shore.
As families continue to enjoy the coast this summer, the RNLI is encouraging people to choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible and to swim between the red and yellow flags.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit rnli.org/lifeguardedbeach.