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RNLI Lifeguard with rescue board

Towan Beach

Towan is a flat, sandy beach next to Newquay Harbour. It is sheltered from most of the Atlantic swells and only gets surf during stormy conditions. Surfing is not permitted duing the Summer season while lifeguards are on duty.

Lifeguard patrol times 2024*

Easter School Holiday 29 March - 14 April
Weekends only 20 April - 28 April
Daily 04 May - 29 September
Weekends only 05 October - 20 October
October Half Term 26 October - 03 November
Patrol times 10am - 5pm
Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards

Today's weather

15°C Cloudy
Min: 12°C Max: 15°C
Get a 5-day forecast

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 Towan Beach

Article Sea safety
It’s that time of year again! RNLI lifeguards returning to Cornwall beaches
Read more
RNLI Lifeguards on patrol
Article Beach safety
It’s that time of year again! RNLI lifeguards returning to South West beaches
Read more
Newquay RNLI D Class being recovered on Christmas Day 2022
Article Sea safety
Newquay RNLI volunteers called out on Christmas Day
Read more

*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