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More beaches patrolled by RNLI lifeguards as peak season starts in south west

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI lifeguards will begin patrols across 23 more beaches in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset from this Saturday (8 July) until 3 September for the peak summer months. The lifeguards will be patrolling more than 90 beaches across the south west during their busiest time of year.

RNLI

Peak season lifeguard patrols

With RNLI lifeguard patrols already in full swing on over 70 south west beaches since April, the public will now have a wider choice of lifeguarded beaches to visit over the summer season, with the addition of 23 more patrolled areas.

Henry Irvine, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south west says;

‘With the peak summer season just around the corner, the addition of these lifeguarded beaches provides the public with a greater selection of patrolled beaches to visit. I highly recommend everyone chooses a lifeguarded beach this summer, and swim between the red and yellow flags so that you have the best chance of staying safe in the water.’

The RNLI Float to Live campaign running this summer, encourages everyone to practice floating as we all float differently. Henry continues:

‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Then, call for help if you can. If you spot someone else in trouble in the water call 999 – if you are at sea or on the beach, ask for the Coastguard.’

The beaches that will begin daily lifeguard patrols from 10am – 6pm are;

In Devon; Bigbury-on-Sea, Hope Cove, Slapton Sands (Torcross), Blackpool Sands and Teignmouth South.

In Dorset; Lyme Regis, Greenhill (Weymouth) and West Bay.

In Somerset; Burnham-on-Sea, Brean weekends beginning 8 July, 15 July and 22 July followed by full time service to 3 September.

The beaches in Cornwall are; Crackington Haven, Northcott, South Fistral, Lusty Glaze, Porthkidney, Carbis Bay, Marazion, Perranuthnoe, Gunwalloe and Porthleven.

Polurrian Cove will be weekends only and August Bank Holiday Monday, from Saturday 8 July to 3 September, and Freathy beach will also be weekends only and Bank Holiday Monday, from Saturday 22 July, through to 3 September.


Notes to editors

· Please find attached images of RNLI lifeguards on duty, credit RNLI.

· Dorset beaches: Lyme Regis , Greenhill and West Bay,

· Devon beaches: Bigbury-on-Sea, Hope Cove, Slapton Sands (Torcross), Blackpool Sands and Teignmouth South

· Cornwall beaches: Crackington Haven, Northcott, South Fistral, Lusty Glaze, Porth Kidney, Carbis Bay, Marazion, Perranuthnoe, Gunwalloe, Porthleven.

· Polurrian Cove (weekends only from 8 July) Freathy (weekends only from 22 July).

· Somerset beaches: Burnham-on-Sea, Brean weekends of 8 July, 15 July and 22 July and then full time until 3 Sept. Follow the link to see which beaches are currently lifeguarded https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/beaches-with-lifeguards-on-patrol

· To support the RNLI’s lifesavers, go to: www.rnli.org/donate

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Emily Bray, RNLI Media Engagement Placement, at [email protected], or 07929673281 or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected];

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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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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.