Ford Ranger - Official Vehicle of the RNLI Lifeguards

For six years, we’ve been committed to supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), to help save more lives at sea. In 2020, we supplied the majority of their vehicle fleet, with the Ford Ranger becoming the RNLI’s go-to beach vehicle.

Now in 2025, we’re proud to supply the roll out of new and updated Ford Rangers across RNLI Lifeguarded beaches, cementing its position as the official vehicle of the RNLI Lifeguards.

Updated vehicles will be deployed across selected UK beaches as it is now an essential part of the RNLI’s day-to-day patrols. Its impressive off-road agility, exceptional towing power and outstanding load capacity makes it the four-wheel drive that helps save lives.

Mandy Dean, Commercial Vehicle Director, Ford of Britain and Ireland - “We are delighted to continue and expand our role in supporting RNLI Lifeguards, and the outstanding work they do. Seeing new Ford Rangers being deployed across select UK beaches shows the all-round dependability of the vehicle to meet the requirements of the RNLI Lifeguard role.”

RNLI Mission: Saving Lives at Sea

RNLI lifeguards have been protecting beaches since 2001, and they now patrol 249 across the UK and Channel Islands. But there are so many more coastal areas across the UK which aren’t patrolled, that’s why it’s recommended by the RNLI to visit beaches with the RNLI lifeguards present.

From Easter, and throughout summer, they patrol beaches, provide first aid and help those who get in trouble in the water. But their primary focus is on prevention by helping stop accidents before they happen. Since the RNLI started their lifeguard patrols in 2001, they have saved 2,085 lives, responded to over 313,000 incidents and helped 423,044 people.

So, next time you visit the beach, stay safe, swim between the flags and follow lifeguard advice.

Find your nearest lifeguarded beach

Beach Safety Advice from the RNLI

Now more than ever, it’s important to understand beach safety when visiting for a day trip or part of a holiday.

The RNLI have the following safety advice for those of you heading to the beach.

Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking, the RNLI recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.
If you or your children fall into the sea unexpectedly, or you find yourself struggling in the water, remember the RNLI’s float to live advice. It could save your life.
In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The Ford Ranger

Peter Dawes, General Manager, Lifeguard Operations - “The beach can be a tough operating environment, we expect a lot from our lifeguards and so we expect a lot from the equipment we provide them. The vehicles have to operate over difficult terrain, launch and recover our rescue watercraft and allow the lifeguards to operate remotely from other facilities. Our trials test that the vehicles will be safe and reliable to support the demands of the service.”

The RNLI lifeguards often need to think at a split second’s notice. The deployment of the new award-winning Ford Ranger across UK beaches provides the RNLI with even greater capability, durability and reliability in challenging beach conditions. Experience the new Ford Ranger with 3,500kg max towing capability, 3,190kg max GVM and 1,200kg gross payload^Tooltip and take it for a test drive.

Request a Ranger Test Drive

Explore the Ranger

The Ford Ranger

Peter Dawes, General Manager, Lifeguard Operations - “The beach can be a tough operating environment, we expect a lot from our lifeguards and so we expect a lot from the equipment we provide them. The vehicles have to operate over difficult terrain, launch and recover our rescue watercraft and allow the lifeguards to operate remotely from other facilities. Our trials test that the vehicles will be safe and reliable to support the demands of the service.”

The RNLI lifeguards often need to think at a split second’s notice. The deployment of the new award-winning Ford Ranger across UK beaches provides the RNLI with even greater capability, durability and reliability in challenging beach conditions. Experience the new Ford Ranger with 3,500kg max towing capability, 3,190kg max GVM and 1,200kg gross payload^Tooltip and take it for a test drive.

Request a Ranger Test Drive Explore the Ranger

SUPPORT THE RNLI

The RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives since 1824.
If you'd like to support them in their crucial lifesaving work, you can click below to make a donation.

Make a donation