39 beaches in the South West will finish RNLI lifeguard patrols for 2021 season

During the peak summer season, RNLI lifeguards operate on over 90 beaches across the south west region. The lifeguard service is put in place to reflect the large volume of people visiting the beach, giving the public a wide range of choice to always choose a lifeguarded beach.

As we move away from summer the charity use a staggered approach to withdraw the lifeguard service based on a variety of factors including visitor numbers, previous incident statistics and local hazards.

Although many beaches will finish operations at the end of the weekend, the charity’s lifeguard service will continue to run daily between 10am-6pm on six of the busiest beaches in the region, as well as weekend cover on 13 other beaches.

Oliver Shilston, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for the Penwith area of Cornwall says,

‘Throughout summer we always stress the importance of going to a lifeguarded beach and although summer is over, we would still urge anyone planning on entering the water to always choose a lifeguarded beach.

This time of year the water is at its warmest and we tend to see an increase in swell meaning bigger more consistent waves. But that can increase the frequency and power of rip currents, which are one of the biggest dangers in the sea.

If you choose a lifeguarded beach the lifeguards are always ready to respond in an emergency situation, should you need their help. If you ever see anyone in trouble in the water, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

There are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your friends and family safe. Check the weather conditions and tide times before you leave, always read beach safety signage at the entrance to the beach and take time to understand the information and any local hazards. Never enter the water alone and keep an eye on each other. If you can, always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

A number of beaches in the south west are running a lifeguard service until the end of October, you can find your nearest lifeguarded beach and all the information including season dates by visiting the RNLI website.’

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

To find out more information about rip currents and what to do if you find yourself caught in one visit: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/rip-currents

The charity has recently launched the RNLI South West Lifeguard Appeal with the aim of raising the funds needed to train the lifeguards to carry out their vital work. If you were helped by a RNLI lifeguard this summer, or if you simply want to make a kind donation, please visit our JustGiving page.

Without the generosity of your donations, we wouldn’t be able to stand on the beach keeping people safe, thank you.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021

The following six beaches in Devon and Cornwall will continue a full-time daily lifeguard service between 10am-6pm until Sunday 31 October:

· Woolacombe

· Croyde

· Fistral

· Perranporth

· Porthmeor

· Sennen

The following 13 beaches in Cornwall and Devon will operate a weekend-only and daily October half-term (23 – 31 October) service:

· Widemouth

· Summerleaze

· Harlyn

· Constanine

· Polzeath

· Towan

· Watergate Bay

· Mawgan Porth

· Porthtowan

· Gwithian North

· Praa Sands

· Tregonhawke

· Bantham (Devon)

The two beaches in West Dorset that will conclude their lifeguard service from Sunday (26 September) are:

· Weymouth

· West Bay

The five beaches in Devon that will conclude their lifeguard service from Sunday (26 September) are:

· Westward Ho!

· Sandymere

· Exmouth

· Sedgewell Cove (Bigbury-on-Sea)

· Challaborough

The 32 beaches in Cornwall that will conclude their lifeguard service from Sunday (26 September) are:

· Trebarwith

· Trevone

· Booby's

· Treyarnon

· Porthcothan

· Holywell Bay

· Perran Sands

· St Agnes

· Chapel Porth

· Portreath

· Sandymouth

· Crooklets

· Black Rock

· Porth

· Tolcarne

· Great Western

· Crantock

· Porthcurno

· Gwenver

· Porthminster

· Hayle Towans

· Mexico Towans

· Beach View

· Upton Towans

· Gwithian South

· Godrevy

· Gyllyngvase

· Kennack

· Poldhu Cove

· Tregantle

· Sharrow

· Seaton

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Media Engagement Placement (south west) on [email protected] or 07902 975993, or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager on 07920 818807 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.