RNLI lifeguards return to Seaton beach for the 2018 summer season

James Millidge, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager says:

‘We’re really pleased that after a successful peak season trial last summer, RNLI lifeguards will be returning to provide an essential lifeguard service on Seaton, from this weekend until the end of September.

The service is really important for the local and wider south east Cornwall community who will now have access to safety cover on one of the few easily accessible beaches in the area. We’re looking forward to another busy summer at Seaton.’

The RNLI lifeguards are on hand to respond to anyone in difficulty in the water and provide both major and minor first aid, however a large proportion of their work is to provide important safety advice to beach goers, which will be prevent people getting into trouble in the first place.

James says:

‘Those heading to any of the regions beaches this weekend are being urged to take heed of the safety advice, go to a lifeguarded beach and please swim and bodyboard in the supervised area marked out by the red and yellow flags. 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 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you are planning on getting in the water, it’s worth remembering the sea temperature is still very cold so it’s important people wear a suitable wetsuit and bring warm clothes to change into.’

Visitors to Seaton will have seen the new lifeguard facility; the elevated unit provides greater vison of the beach and people in the water for the lifeguards. It will also mean beachgoers can more clearly see where the lifeguards are situated and will know where to go seek help with minor injuries or missing children.

James says;

‘A further benefit for the unit being raised is that it will be protected against storm damage, even during the summer months, there is the potential that during a spring high tide there will be large tidal surges, that on a ground level unit pose the risk of flooding.’

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit rnli.org

Notes to editors

RNLI lifeguarded beaches in south east Cornwall are: Tregonhawke, Sharrow, Tregantle (weekends only until 7 July). The beaches are patrolled between 10am and 6pm daily.

• Please see attached image of the new lifeguard facility on Seaton beach. Credit RNLI

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