RNLI lifeguards in East Devon issue safety advice after a busy few weeks
RNLI lifeguards covering the beaches in East Devon are urging beach users to heed safety advise after a number of incidents during the latest spell of hot weather.
‘With the recent spell of warm weather drawing thousands to the coast, our lifeguards patrolling the beaches in East Devon have been flat out keeping beach goers safe, both in and out of the water.
'At Exmouth, the team have assisted a couple of kite surfers in difficultly and one kite surfer was rescued after getting caught in the off-shore wind and out-going tide. The casualty was over a mile off shore when the lifeguards bought him back to the beach.
'The team at Exmouth also provided emergency casualty care to an unconscious casualty on the beach, providing care and monitoring their condition before handing over to the ambulance service,
'On Sandy Bay, three paddleboarders were assisted back to shore after struggling against the wind and current.
'At Dawlish Warren, the lifeguards assisted a swimmer struggling against the rip current back to shore.
'Across all our beaches the lifeguards have continued to provide casualty care for minor first aids including cuts, scrapes and weaver fish stings, and engaged with beach goers during patrols sharing key safety messages to ensure everyone enjoyed their day safely.
'We’d urge anyone hoping to enjoy the beach or spend time on or in the water to take note of the conditions and key safety advise and speak to our friendly lifeguards who are happy to help.
'Huge thanks to our lifeguards for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts.’
The RNLI's advice is to:
- Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.
- The charity’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:
- Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
- It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Practise floating in a local pool if you can.
If you see someone else struggling in water:
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Tell the person to relax and float on their back.
- Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.
Notes to editors
- RNLI lifeguards provide a service on Exmouth, Sandy Bay, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth and from 12 July on Budleigh Salterton.
- The incidents all happened during the week 21 June to 27 June 2025.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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