RNLI lifeguards return to keep watch over Cornish beaches for 2016 summer season

Following successful Easter patrols, RNLI lifeguards have spent the last few weeks visiting more than 200 local primary schools in Cornwall as part of the ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme, and estimate that they’ve spoken to 20,000 pupils about how to best stay safe on the beach.

With the Bank Holiday weekend approaching, the RNLI is urging people heading to the coast to take heed of the charity’s safety advice.

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 Cornwall, 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.’

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 Cornwall from April 30: Tregonhawke, Tregantle (weekends only until July 9) Whitsand Bay, Praa Sands, Porthmeor, Sennen, Gwithian, Hayle Towans, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Towan, Watergate Bay, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze.

Note: The entrance to Sharrow Beach has been closed due to an unstable section of the cliff. RNLI lifeguards will be on observational patrols only in the area, advising members of the public, but will not be operational on the beach.

Patrols will begin on the following beaches from May 21:  Portreath, Poldhu Cove, Kennack, Gyllyngvase, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Porthminster, Godrevy, Upton Towans, Beach View, Mexico Towans, Chapel Porth, St Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Crantock, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Mawgan Porth, Porthcothan, Booby’s, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets and Sandymouth.

RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact either Chlӧe Smith, RNLI Press Officer on 07920 818807 or email chloe_smith@rnli.org.uk or Emma Haines, RNLI Public Relations Manager, on 07786 668847 or email emma_haines@rnli.org.uk 

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen, Carrybridge and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 or by email.

The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland