RNLI lifeguards issue safety advice as heatwave hits the south west

The advice comes as the charity’s lifeguards are set to commence their peak season service on an addition seven beaches in Devon and Dorset this weekend (Saturday 12 July) – Greenhill in Weymouth, Lyme Regis and West Bay in Dorset. Hope Cove, Blackpool Sands, and Slapton Sands in south Devon.

RNLI lifeguards also start their new lifeguard service on Budleigh Salterton in Devon where they are providing safety patrols on behalf of East Devon District Council for the first time.

These additional beaches take the number of beaches patrolled by RNLI lifeguards across the south west to 77 from Saturday, this will increase to 88 for peak summer season during the school summer holidays.

Henry Saddler-Irvine, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead, said: ‘We are reminding anyone visiting the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following our safety advice. For those who are venturing into the water, please visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. From Saturday there will be a total of 77 RNLI lifeguarded beaches across the region, providing even more options for beach goers. A full list is available via the RNLI website RNLI.org.

‘For those enjoying other coastal activities our advice is to check the weather and tides, have a means of calling for help and in an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘If you do find yourself in the water unexpectedly, Float To Live: Tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, move your hands to help you stay afloat and once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety.

Henry continues ‘The charity’s lifeboat and lifeguard rescue data reveal that the south west has seen the number of paddleboard rescues more than double over a five-year period. Statistics show that RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards in the region responded to 227 paddleboard incidents in 2024, compared to 96 in 2019, highlighting the significant increase in popularity that paddleboarding has seen over recent years

‘For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you and always avoid offshore winds. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer 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.