24 RNLI lifeguarded beaches in south west prepare to end peak season patrols
As the summer begins to draw to a close and schools start to return, this Sunday (7 September) marks the end of RNLI lifeguards' peak season in the south west.
24 of the 90 RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the region will conclude beach safety patrols until next year and water users are encouraged to head to one of the 66 beaches with lifeguard cover.
It has been an exceptionally busy peak season for the RNLI lifeguard teams in the south west, who have been working diligently to keep beachgoers safe throughout the summer. From minor first aids to major incidents, the charities’ lifeguards have dealt with all kinds of scenarios under pressure and have done a remarkable job.
As peak season comes to an end, we will see the conclusion of patrols on Sunday 7 September on several beaches throughout the region:
Dorset:
Greenhill, Lyme Regis and West Bay.
Somerset:
Burnham on Sea, Brean.
Devon:
Sandy Bay, Budleigh Salterton, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Hope Cove, Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Bigbury on Sea.
Cornwall:
Freathy, Polurrian Cove, Gunwalloe, Porthleven, Marazion, Lusty Glaze, Mexico Towans, Porthkidney, Carbis Bay, Crackington Haven, Northcott.
RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said:
‘This Sunday marks the end of our peak lifeguard season for 2025. 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.
Towards the end of peak season, we saw our teams respond with competence and professionalism to the challenges presented by Storm Erin, and successfully kept beachgoers safe from the dangerous swell that hit the coast. It is also testament to our supervisors and trainers who work incredibly hard to make sure our lifeguards are best prepared for the season- no matter how unpredictable the conditions.
‘In addition, I’d like to thank all the local authorities and private beach owners for whom we provide a world-class lifesaving service every year.’
If you’re heading to the coast to catch the last of the summer sun this September, the RNLI advises you to choose one of our lifeguarded beaches:
Until Sunday 28 September:
Dorset:
Weymouth.
Devon:
Exmouth, Sedgewell Cove, Challabarough, 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, Treyarnon, Booby’s, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets, Sandymouth.
Jersey:
El Tico, Watersplash, St Brelades Bay.
Plémont and Grève de Lecq until Sunday 14 September.
Until Sunday 2 November:
Devon:
Bantham, Croyde, Woolacombe.
Cornwall:
Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Perranporth, Gwithian North, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor, Sennen, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Summerleaze.
Jersey:
Le Braye.
Notes to Editors
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Follow the link to see which beaches currently have RNLI lifeguard patrols here
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Spokespeople are available for interview – please contact the press office on the details below
Media contacts
For more information, please contact Colleen Semple, Communications Placement on [email protected] or Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or via [email protected]
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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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.