RNLI lifeguards return to keep Devon beaches safe for 2016 summer season

Patrols will begin on Bantham and Sedgewell Cove in the South Hams, and Croyde and Woolacombe in north Devon from Saturday.

Over the last few weeks lifeguard teams have been visiting local primary schools in north Devon, South Hams and Torbay as part of the ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme, and estimate that they’ve spoken to over 15,000 school children about how to stay safe on the beach.

Steve Instance, RNLI Senior Lifeguard Manager for the South West says;
‘It’s that time again when the RNLI lifeguards make a welcome return to beaches around the south west coastline. The lifeguard teams were on patrol on a number of beaches over the Easter holidays and we look forward to keeping beachgoers safe over the summer season.

‘Whether you are local to Devon, or visiting on holiday, we’d urge beachgoers to head to an RNLI lifeguarded beach and to swim in the supervised area between the red and yellow flags.

‘If you are planning on getting in the water, it’s worth remembering that the sea temperature is still cold so it’s important people wear a suitable wetsuit. Try and stay within your depth and follow the lifeguard’s advice. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard, or if you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘It is also very important to check the tide times before setting out and always carry a means of calling for help in case you should get caught out.’

The RNLI is currently recruiting lifeguards to work the forthcoming season at beaches in the South Hams district. For more information visit: jobs.RNLI.org.

You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach by visiting RNLI.org. 

Notes to editors

The RNLI’s national fundraising event Mayday is running from 26 April–2 May 2016 with fundraising events taking place around the UK. For more information visit rnli.org.uk/mayday

Beaches patrolled in Devon from April 30: Bantham, Sedgewell Cove, Croyde and Woolacombe.

Patrols will begin on the following beaches from May 21: Exmouth, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth North, Challaborough, Westward Ho! and Sandymere.

RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact either Chlӧe Smith, RNLI Press Officer on 07920 818807 or email [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Public Relations Manager, on 07786 668847 or email [email protected] 

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.

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