RNLI lifeguards return to 22 beaches in the south west for October half-term
RNLI lifeguards in the south west will patrol 22 beaches for the half term period from Saturday 26 October, with the 2024 lifeguard season coming to an end on Sunday 3 November.
Due to the clocks going back on Saturday 26 October, RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling during daylight hours of 10am until 5pm.
RNLI lifeguards will be on the following beaches: 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 Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said:
‘Half-term will likely see more people heading to the coast and so we’d like to remind people that if you are wishing to visit a beach, choose a lifeguarded beach, of which there are several to choose from around the Cornwall and Devon coast. If you’re swimming and bodyboarding do so between the red and yellow flags, and if you’re unsure about anything to ask an RNLI lifeguard.
‘We’d also like to remind people that conditions are a lot more challenging at this time of year with bigger swells due to autumn storms. We will also see spring tides towards the end of the half term week, which means faster moving currents, and an increased risk of tidal cut offs. If you do find yourself in trouble in the water, remember the RNLI’s advice to not panic and float to live - lie flat on your back with your arms outstretched, ears submerged and allow your body to adapt to the water.’
You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach here: Lifeguarded Beaches - Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)
The RNLI advice is if you are going to the coast, to head to a lifeguarded beach If no flags are there it means no lifeguards are present. If you are heading onto the water, take a means of communication with you, let people know where you are going and check the conditions before you set off. If you see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
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Photo is of lifeguards on duty credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams
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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.
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