RNLI issue bank holiday safety advice as lifeguards return to south west coast
RNLI lifeguards will return to daily patrols from Saturday 2 May across 27 beaches in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset as the summer season begins.
The move marks the start of daily patrols ahead of the busy bank holiday weekends and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the RNLI lifeguard service, which has been helping people enjoy the coast safely for a quarter of a century.
In addition to Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor, and Sennen beaches, which remain patrolled every day, RNLI lifeguards will return to the following beaches for daily patrols from 2 May for the 2026 season:
Cornwall: Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Crantock, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Gwithian North, Hayle Towans, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze
Devon: Croyde, Woolacombe, Bantham, Exmouth West and Exmouth East
Dorset: Weymouth
Jersey: Le Braye
As people head to the coast this bank holiday, the RNLI is reminding everyone that although the weather on land may feel warm, the sea temperature remains cold enough to cause cold water shock. Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect breathing and movement.
Joel Ninnes, Water Safety Delivery Support for the RNLI, offers advice to bank holiday beachgoers:
‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try to remain calm and remember Float to Live: lean back with your ears submerged, extend your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing before moving to safety.
‘If you need help, or see someone else in trouble, call for help immediately. Raise an arm to attract attention and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Calling early can help save lives.’
Not all beaches are lifeguarded at this time of year, so the RNLI advises checking online before you go to find your nearest RNLI‑patrolled beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags where RNLI lifeguards are present.
In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
For more safety advice, visit rnli.org/safety.
Notes to editors:
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Image One: RNLI lifeguards monitoring the water at Perran sands
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Image Two: RNLI lifeguards patrolling at Bantham beach, South Devon during Easter holidays.
RNLI media contacts
Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager at [email protected], or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead at [email protected], or RNLI press office on 01202 336789
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.