RNLI lifeguards return to the region’s beaches for the 2017 summer season

The RNLI is urging local people and holidaymakers heading to the coast to take heed of the charity’s safety advice this Bank Holiday weekend as the main lifeguard season starts.

RNLI lifeguards are looking forward to keeping beachgoers safe across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and are reminding people to follow their advice and to stay within their depth.

Beau Gillett, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for South East Cornwall, says: ‘Following successful Easter patrols on a number of south west beaches, RNLI lifeguards will be returning to beaches around the south west coastline from Saturday (29 April). We remind beachgoers to use RNLI lifeguarded beaches and to swim in supervised areas between the red and yellow flags.

‘It’s worth remembering to check the tide times to avoid getting caught out and noting that the sea temperature is still cold at this time of year. 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 call 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.

Lifeguard patrols across the region will start on individual beaches at different dates between now and July. For more information and to find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit RNLI.org.

Notes to editors

Attached are some images. Please credit RNLI

The RNLI’s national fundraising event Mayday is running from Monday 1 May – the May Day bank holiday with fundraising events taking place around the UK. For more information visit rnli.org.uk/mayday

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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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