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RNLI lifeguards finish main season this weekend in the south west

Lifeguards News Release

This Sunday (29 September) marks the end of RNLI lifeguards' main season in the south west. A number of beaches will be patrolled during weekends in October and during the October half term holiday (26 October to 3 November).

RNLI lifeguards have had a busy 2024 season as thousands of people headed to the coast over the summer period. As the autumn swells hit the south west coastline people are reminded to choose a beach with lifeguards on patrol, and to be aware of the conditions and their capabilities.

RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said:

‘This Sunday marks the end of our main lifeguard season for 2024. I’d like to thank our lifeguards for their hard work over the entire season keeping people safe whilst they enjoy the coast.

‘Our teams have shown immense dedication and skill in responding to numerous incidents and giving critical care to people who have found themselves in difficulty. It is also testament to our supervisors and trainers who work incredibly hard to make sure our lifeguards are best prepared for the season.

‘In addition I’d like to thank all the local authorities and private beach owners who allow us to provide a world-class lifesaving service every year.’

Lifeguards will remain on the following beaches on October weekends (5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 October) and October half-term, which runs from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November:

Cornwall: Widemouth, Summerleaze, Polzeath, Harlyn, Constantine, Gwithian North, Hayle, Porthtowan, Watergate Bay, Towan, Crantock, Praa Sands, Tregonhawke

Devon:

Croyde, Woolacombe, Bantham

Jersey:

Le Braye

RNLI lifeguards will patrol Sennen, Porthmeor, Fistral and Perranporth daily until Sunday 3 November.

If you’re heading to the coast, the RNLI advises you to choose one of these beaches, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if you are in trouble remember to float to live-don’t panic, lie flat on your back with your ears submerged.

Also if you do see somebody in trouble and lifeguards are not present, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

Notes to editors

· Photos show lifeguards on duty

RNLI lifeguard patrols will finish on the following beaches from Sunday 29 September:

Cornwall:

Godrevy, Gwithian South, Upton Towans, BeachView, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Perranuthnoe, Sharrow, Seaton, Tregantle, Poldhu Cove, Kennack, Gyllyngvese, Great Western, Tolcarne, Portreath, Chapel Porth, St Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Treyarnon, Booby’s Bay, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets

Devon:

Exmouth, Sedgewell Cove (Bigbury-On-Sea), Challaborough, Sandymere, Westward Ho!

Dorset:

Weymouth (Main Beach)

Jersey:

El Tico, Watersplash, St Brelade’s Bay

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.

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