U.K Lifeguard Solidarity Group (now approaching 600 members), launches the ‘Return to Shore’ campaign. A website, Facebook page and petition are launched simultaneously, with the aim of raising our profile and focusing on bringing a lifesaving service back to our coast.

U.K Lifeguard Solidarity Group’s story breaks nationally on BBC1 Breakfast News – Spokesman Tom Houghton raises the serious risk to public safety presented by not furloughing lifeguards. The UK treasury recognises the RNLIs role as ‘crucial’, but fails to offer a provision to retain its Lifeguards.

RNLI knowledge the difficulties faced in gaining clarity throughout this time and give Lifeguards a rough approximation of how the lifeguard service may look once/if lockdown procedures are lifted. It is made clear that this service will be far smaller than usual.

U.K Lifeguard Solidarity Group is formed to support professional lifeguards in petitioning their MPs in order to achieve furlough status under government job retention scheme.

RNLI Lifeguards/Seasonal Supervisors and Lifeguard Support Assistants notified that all lifeguard operations ‘effectively ceased when decision (to pause lifeguard service) was made on 25th March.’ Those lifeguards/supervisors who had already begun employment were informed that they would be kept on ‘zero-hour contracts’.

U.K Government instructs public to stay at home. RNLI immediately pauses 2020 lifeguard service – Citing the safety of staff/public and adherence to Government guidelines.