RNLI issue safety warning as lifeguards return to more beaches in the south west

as the 2025 summer season roll-out continues, giving beachgoers the opportunity to visit 58 different lifeguarded beaches across the south west.

After responding to nearly 7,000 incidents, aiding over 9,000 people and saving 43 lives in the south west last year, RNLI lifeguards are getting ready to return to more beaches across the region ahead of another busy summer season. RNLI lifeguards will return to four beaches in Devon, and 28 in Cornwall from Saturday 17 May making the total number of lifeguarded beaches across the region 58, with additional beaches opening on 19 July for the peak summer holiday period.

Warm weather is expected to continue into this weekend (16-18 May) and an increase in visitors to the coast is expected, so the RNLI is urging the public to:

· Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.

· Swim between the red and yellow flags.

· If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.

· If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Tim Treloar, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, said: ‘While the weather continues to deliver, the water is still very cold at this time of year, if you are planning on going into the water, please visit a lifeguarded beach. When there we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards.

‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.’

Over the last two weeks new and returning lifeguards have been going through their induction period where they train in many areas including essential skills in casualty care, fitness testing, lifesaving skills in and out of the water, and watercraft operations.

Regional Lifeguard Lead, Guy Botterill, said: ‘Our lifeguards have been working hard in their training and inductions to prepare for the new season. They are excited to be back on the beaches doing what they do best, providing the highest quality lifesaving service.

‘If you are heading to the coast over the summer season, we strongly advise going to a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. It’s great to see visitors enjoying the coast with extra piece of mind knowing that we are there should they need us.

‘Our lifeguards are experts on the local beach risks, tides and weather conditions, so please speak to them for advice and information.’

With warm weather expected this weekend, the RNLI urges beachgoers to visit a lifeguarded beach. You can find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here - https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.

Notes to editors:

Beaches patrolled from May 17:

Devon: Sedgewell Cove (Bigbury-on-Sea), Challaborough, Westward Ho!, Sandymere.

Cornwall: Seaton, Sharrow, Tregantle, Poldhu Cove, Kennack, Gyllyngvase, Perranuthnoe, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Portreath, St Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithian South, Upton Towans, Beach View, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Porthcothan, Booby’s, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets, Sandymouth.

Media contacts:

For more information, please contact Adam Cleary on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789. Alternatively, you can contact Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07786 668847; Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Lead on [email protected] or 07920 818807.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.