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RNLI lifeguards return to more beaches in Devon for 2024 summer peak season

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI lifeguards will begin their patrols on more beaches in Devon from this weekend (Saturday 6 July) for the peak summer season.

Patrols will begin at Blackpool Sands, Slapton, Hope Cove and Bigbury north in the South Hams. In East Devon, patrols will begin at Sandy Bay, Teignmouth and Dawlish from this weekend.

RNLI Lifeguards will continue their daily patrols from 10am-6pm on these beaches up until Sunday 1 September.

The RNLI works in partnership with local authorities and private beach owners each year to set up and roll out a lifeguard service, at their request. Setting up a lifeguard service each season involves several different elements, including recruiting and training lifeguards and organising the logistics to deliver equipment, and in some cases, lifeguard units, to each beach. 

RNLI lifeguards old and new in Devon have spent the last month going through inductions and pre-season training, which has included essential skills in casualty care, fitness testing, lifesaving skills in and out of the water and watercraft operations.

This time of year, is the start of the busiest period for RNLI lifeguards with the school summer holidays fast approaching and as ever the RNLI wants people to enjoy coming to the coast but to do so safely.

Rob Stuteley, Lifeguard Supervisor for Kingsbridge and the South Hams said:

‘Our lifeguards have spent the last few weeks going through inductions and training to make sure they are ready for the new season. They are excited to be back on the beaches doing what they do best, offering preventative advice and a top-quality lifesaving service. 

‘As ever, we want people who are coming to the coast to enjoy themselves this summer but to do so safely. It is our strong advice that people head to a lifeguarded beach, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if you want any advice to ask an RNLI lifeguard.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this spring to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:  

  

  • Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.  

  • Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.  

  • Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.  

  • 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.  

  • In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  

Notes to editors

  • Photo shows RNLI lifeguards at Sedgewell Cove

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement – Placement-South West on 07977 468283 or [email protected],uk 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.

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