Saving lives runs in the family for Cornish mum and daughter lifeguard team
Ahead of Mother’s Day, RNLI Lifeguard Martha Dixon says it’s a ‘total privilege’ to train alongside her daughter, Rosa Davies, as they return to patrol the south Cornwall coast.
Martha and Rosa are sharing more than just family time this year after both becoming RNLI lifeguards last season. Ahead of Mother’s Day on 15 March, the duo are speaking about what it means to join the team and train alongside each other. The pair now share the same commitment and passion for keeping beachgoers safe, with Martha describing it as: ‘a total privilege to be able to work and train alongside Rosa.
‘I am so proud of Rosa for working as a RNLI lifeguard.’
Martha and Rosa both became RNLI lifeguards last season with Martha patrolling on Praa Sands and Kennack Sands, while Rosa could be found keeping beachgoers safe on Gyllyngvase (Gylly) beach and Porthleven. Mum and daughter are returning to beaches this year as Martha resumes her role as a casual lifeguard and Rosa returns from university to continue working in a seasonal role.
While the pair are yet to be on the same patrol, they train and compete together with the rest of the team in south Cornwall. One of their highlights is some family rivalry in the lifeguard’s annual water polo competition.
When asked why they make such a good team, Rosa credits her mum with an ability to communicate well with the public, a key trait for lifeguards offering safety advice to beachgoers:
‘I think we are both good at chatting to the public, it’s a really important part of our job to keep people safe and informed.’
Adam Harris, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor said: ‘Martha and Rosa are invaluable members of our team. It’s great to see them training and learning together and ultimately sharing skills that are making our beaches safer.’
Lifeguarding is not the only activity Martha and Rosa bond over. The pair have been part of the Surf Life Saving community for more than ten years. It’s one of the reasons a career with the RNLI stood out:
‘Lifeguarding allows us to put into practice the sport we love. It’s extremely rewarding to implement the skills we use in training to help keep others safe.’
Martha competes for Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving Club, in both pool and beach competitions. She says, ‘it's still really competitive in the older age groups, but sometimes I’m lucky enough to win medals!’
This Mother’s Day Martha encourages other mums and daughters to consider a lifeguarding role: ‘Give it a try, it’s such a rewarding job.’
Look out for Martha and Rosa as they continue to keep beachgoers safe when RNLI lifeguards return to beaches in the south west from 3 April.
Season dates vary, so be sure to check when RNLI lifeguards will be on service at the beach you would like to visit and remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Notes to editors
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2026 marks the 25th anniversary of RNLI lifeguards.
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Interviews available on request.
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Image One: Martha and Rosa training together.
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Image Two: Rosa working in a seasonal role.
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Image Three: Martha winning gold at the Cornish Surf Life Saving competition.
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Praa Sands will be patrolled during Easter holiday 3 April - 19 April, Weekends only 25 April - 26 April, daily 2 May - 27 September.
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Kennack Beach will be patrolled daily 16 May - 27 September.
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Gyllyngvase Beach will be patrolled daily 16 May - 27 September.
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Porthleven Beach will be patrolled daily 18 July - 6 September.
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
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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.