
RNLI lifeguards return to south west beaches for 2024 summer season
RNLI lifeguards return for their summer season this weekend (Saturday 4 May). It is anticipated that the early May Bank Holiday weekend will see large numbers of people heading to the coast and the RNLI is urging people hoping to get in the water to go to a lifeguarded beach
Indifferent weather conditions meant some beaches were red-flagged across the Easter holidays, (Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April) but the lifeguards remained busy. RNLI lifeguards were on duty on 25 beaches in the south west during the Easter holidays and responded to multiple incidents - one of which took place at Woolacombe beach on Easter Sunday (31 March).
RNLI lifeguards Ethan Ivall and Ethan Kirkby-Dott were down at the water’s edge encouraging people to move into the red and yellow flagged area. It became clear that two bodyboarders were in difficulty, at which point the two lifeguards entered the water and were able to recover the bodyboarders safely to the shore on their rescue boards.
RNLI lifeguards in Perranporth also dealt with an incident where two women got knocked off their feet by a tidal surge, which dragged out them out cutting them off from the beach. Members of the public supported the two women before the lifeguards brought them back to shore and did casualty care checks.
RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south west, Guy Botterill said:
‘Daily lifeguard patrols return on 25 beaches across the south west this Saturday. The bank holiday weekend is usually a busy period and we want to make sure people have a good time in the water but remain safe whilst doing so. The RNLI encourages those going to the coast head to a lifeguarded beach. If swimming or bodyboarding stay between the red and yellow flags and if you need any local information or are unsure about anything, please ask an RNLI lifeguard.’
RNLI lifeguards will patrol the following beaches full-time from Saturday 4 May. Cornwall - Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Tregonhawke ,Widemouth, Summerleaze, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Gwithian, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor, Sennen
Devon - Bantham, Exmouth, Woolacombe, Croyde
Dorset - Weymouth Beach
Jersey - Le Braye.
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
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Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
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Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
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Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
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If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
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In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
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Please find attached an image of lifeguards at Fistral Beach , please credit Dean Wright
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Spokespeople are available on request, please contact Archie on the details below
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The RNLI provide a lifeguard service on behalf of the Local Authority or private beach owner, in peak season, RNLI lifeguards patrol nearly 90 beaches across the south west.
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To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach visit www.rnli.or.uk/findyournearest
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RNLI lifeguards patrol beaches from 10am-6pm when on duty
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Patrols on 33 additional beaches will begin on Saturday 18 May, these are the following beaches: Sedgewell Cove, Seaton, Challaborough, Sharrow, Tregantle, Poldhu Cove, Kennack, Gyllyngvese, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Portreath, Chapel Porth, St Agnes , Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithian South, Upton Towans, Beach View, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Perranuthoe, Porthcothan, Booby’s Bay, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets, Sandymouth, Westward Ho! And Sandymere
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement Placement-South West on 07939 468283 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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, Twitter 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.