38 RNLI lifeguarded beaches in south west prepare to end main season patrols
With the summer officially ended, many of the lifeguarded beaches across the region will see patrols finish until 2026.
This Sunday (28 September), 38 of the 61 currently lifeguarded will conclude beach safety patrols, and water users are encouraged to head to one of the 23 beaches with lifeguard cover which will be patrolled over weekends throughout October and then daily during October half term.
RNLI lifeguards have been on duty daily throughout the summer, working hard to keep thousands of beachgoers safe. From delivering preventive actions to carrying out major rescues, they have faced all kinds of conditions and scenarios to their job. As patrols wind down for the season, the charity is reminding anyone heading to the coast to take extra care, and to choose a beach which still has lifeguard cover.
RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said:
‘We have had another busy summer on our beaches in the south west, and our lifeguards have once again done a fantastic job at keeping people safe. As the majority of patrols come to an end after this weekend, we would like to urge anyone visiting the coast to choose one of the 23 beaches where lifeguards are still on duty.
As we head into autumn, we’re asking people to be especially cautious. Check local tide times and forecasts, and be aware of the risk of cold water shock as temperatures dip.’
Beaches ending patrols from 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.
The following beaches will be patrolled on the weekends of 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19 October. Daily patrols will return for the October half term holiday, from Saturday 25 October 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.