RNLI lifeguards patrols in the south west will finish this weekend
Sunday 3 November will mark the final day of RNLI lifeguard patrols in the south west for the 2024 season.
The RNLI lifeguard teams will lower the flags for the final time at 5pm on Sunday, marking the end of patrols for 2024. Lifeguards will be on duty across 22 beaches this weekend (2-3 November) for those wishing to make the best of the conditions under the safe watch of the RNLI lifeguard team.
As we move into the winter months the RNLI is reminding people to stay safe when visiting the coast. The RNLI advises people to be aware of the conditions and hazards created by winter storms, always tell someone where you’re going and carry a means of communication for calling for help. If you see someone in trouble dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
RNLI Lifeguard Lead for the south west Guy Botterill said:
‘Half term is usually a busy period and over the first weekend we experienced some challenging conditions. We would like to remind people heading to the coast this weekend to choose a lifeguarded beach, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if you are unsure of anything to ask an RNLI lifeguard.
‘As we enter the final days of the 2024 season I’d like to commend our lifeguards for all their hard work and also our supervisors and training staff who make sure they are best prepared every year to deliver a world-class lifesaving service.
‘I’d also like to thank the local authorities, private beach owners and all our fundraisers and generous donors who make it possible for us to provide a lifeguarding service and keep people safe.
‘Finally, I wish everyone an enjoyable and safe half term weekend and we look forward to seeing people back on the beaches in spring 2025.’
Notes to editors
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Photo is of lifeguards on duty credit: RNLI
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RNLI Lifeguards will patrol the following beaches this weekend (Nov 2 and 3 from 10am to 5pm): Widemouth, Summerleaze, Polzeath, Harlyn, Constantine, Gwithian North, Hayle, Porthtowan, Watergate Bay, Towan, Crantock, Praa Sands, Tregonhawke, Perranporth, Fistral, Sennen, Porthmeor, Mawgan Porth, Woolacombe, Croyde, Bantham, and Le Braye in Jersey.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement – Placement-South West on 07977 468283 or [email protected],uk 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.