Additional week of RNLI lifeguard patrols confirmed for Cornwall half term

The extended patrols will run daily from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, ensuring families, visitors and local residents can enjoy safer visits to the coast throughout the holiday period.

The additional week of cover means RNLI lifeguards will remain on duty at selected beaches beyond the end of the main seasonal service, helping to support the increased number of people expected to visit Cornwall's coastline during the Autumn break. They will join the four Cornish beaches that continue daily patrols until 1 November *.

Guy Botterill, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, said:

'We're delighted to be working with Cornwall Council and Watergate Bay to provide an additional week of lifeguard cover at 15 beaches across Cornwall,

'October half term remains a busy period on Cornwall's beaches, with many families and visitors choosing to make the most of the coast before winter arrives. By aligning patrol dates with the school holidays, we can continue to provide safety advice, preventative actions and emergency response when it is needed most.

'Although summer may be over, the risks at the coast remain. Autumn can bring powerful waves, strong rip currents and rapidly changing weather conditions, so we'd encourage anyone planning a trip to the beach to choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible and speak to our lifeguards for local safety advice.

‘We are reminding beachgoers that RNLI lifeguards will be on duty between 10am and 6pm until daylight saving hours mean cover will end at 5pm from Sunday 25 October.’

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

‘We know how much people enjoy Cornwall’s beaches, and it’s brilliant that RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at some of our beaches for an extra week during half term.

‘Thank you to the RNLI teams who work so hard to keep people safe and who are there to help when people need them.

‘If you’re visiting one of Cornwall’s beaches this half term, choose a lifeguarded beach where possible and please follow their advice. Listen to what they tell you, check the flags and tide times, and don’t be afraid to ask them if you’re unsure about the conditions.’

RNLI lifeguards are reminding people to visit a lifeguarded beach, check tide times and weather forecasts before heading out, and always swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags.

You can find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, using your hands to help you stay afloat.