RNLI Lifeguard with rescue board

Watergate Bay Beach

Watergate Bay is a privately owned beach, which frequently picks up swell from the Atlantic. The beach is at the foot of some steep cliffs, and at low tide it stretches for over 2 miles. There are several access paths down to the beach, the easiest of which is in front of the local hotels.

Lifeguard patrol times 2023

Easter School Holidays 01-16 April
Weekend 22-23 April
Daily 29 April-24 September
Weekends and Bank Holidays Only
30 September-15 October
October Half Term 21-29 October
Patrol times 10am-6pm

Today's weather

17°C Rain
Min: 14°C Max: 17°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?

Join the team and you’ll be trained, respected and well paid. You will boost your fitness and train with like-minded people, earn a decent hourly rate from the start, and learn valuable skills that will stay with you for life. 

All of this and you’ll be on the beach helping to save lives every day.  

Have you got what it takes?

If you’re fit, aged 16+ and can swim 400m, why not give it a go? Help with qualification training might be available if you’re new to beach lifeguarding.

So whether you’re qualified or just getting started, visit our recruitment site for info and vacancies, find out more about lifeguard training.

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

Donate now

News and media from Watergate Bay Beach

RNLI Lifeguards on patrol
Article Beach safety
It’s that time of year again! RNLI lifeguards returning to South West beaches
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Busy end to summer holidays for RNLI lifeguards across south west beaches
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RNLI lifeguards urge public to heed safety advice this Bank Holiday weekend
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RNLI Lifeboats logo on grey background
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Two major rescues carried out by Newquay RNLI lifeguards
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