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RNLI Lifeguard with rescue board

Porthcothan Beach

Porthcothan is a long, sandy cove surrounded by cliffs and backed by sand dunes. At low tide the beach opens out, connecting up with small coves, and at high tide the beach becomes sheltered due to the cliffs. There's access from a beach-level road, and a car park behind the beach.

Lifeguard patrol times 2024*

Daily 18 May-29 September
Patrol times 10am-6pm
Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards

Today's weather

8°C Overcast
Min: 6°C Max: 8°C
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Beach information

Stay safe on the beach

  • Wherever possible, swim at a lifeguarded beach. Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, or the Irish Water Safety website.
  • When on a lifeguarded beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them – this area is patrolled by lifeguards.
  • Never swim alone.
  • If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
  • If you see someone in difficulty, don't attempt a rescue. Tell a lifeguard, or, if you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
  • For more advice about having fun and staying safe on the beach, see our beach safety advice.

Ready to change lives working as an RNLI lifeguard?

As an RNLI lifeguard you’ll build your work – and life – experience, get good rates of pay and learn lifesaving skills that stay with you wherever your career heads next.

Have you got what it takes?

You can apply whether you live inside or outside the UK - you need to be 16 and of school leaving age, have a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (or equivalent) and meet a specific fitness criteria and have a right to work in the UK.

If you’re not qualified yet, don’t worry! Find out how you can get qualified by visiting the requirements and training section.

Become an RNLI beach lifeguard.

You can help save lives and make our waters safer for everyone.

Donate now

News and media from Porthcothan Beach

Article Sea safety
Padstow RNLI tasked during Newquay Lifeboat Day
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Article People
Dad follows in daughters footsteps to become an RNLI lifeguard
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RNLI lifeguard patrol truck at Fistral
Article Sea safety
2018 RNLI lifeguard season comes to an end
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*The information shown is accurate at the time of publication, but details may change at short notice for various reasons beyond our control. Whilst every effort is made to update key information, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This includes the availability of lifeguard services at all locations on the dates or times stated.

Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards