RNLI lifeguards return to the region’s beaches for the 2019 summer season

RNLI lifeguards are looking forward to keeping beachgoers safe across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset and are reminding people to follow their advice and to stay safe.

Rob Stuteley, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for south east Cornwall, says: ‘It’s that time again when the RNLI lifeguards make a welcome return to beaches around the south west coastline. The lifeguard teams were on patrol on a number of beaches over the Easter holidays and we look forward to keeping beachgoers safe over the summer season.

‘Whether you are local or visiting on holiday, we’d urge beachgoers to head to an RNLI lifeguarded beach and to swim in the supervised area between the red and yellow flags.

‘If you are planning on getting in the water, it’s worth remembering that the sea temperature is still cold so it’s important people wear a suitable wetsuit. Try and stay within your depth and follow the lifeguard’s advice. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard, or if you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘It is also very important to check the tide times before setting out and always carry a means of calling for help in case you should get caught out.’

Lifeguards will be on duty from 10am to 6pm daily. Patrols across the region will start on individual beaches at different dates between now and July. For more information and to find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit RNLI.org.

Notes to editors

Patrols on the following beaches begin on 4 May: Weymouth, Sedgewell Cove, Tregonhawke, Sharrow, Tregantle, Treyarnon, Bantham, Praa Sands, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Gwithian, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor, Sennen, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Croyde, Woolacombe.

Patrols on the following beaches begin on 18 May: Challaborough, Seaton, Poldhu Cove, Kennak, Gyllyngvase, Crantock, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Portreath, Chapel Porth, St Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Upton Towans, Beach View, Mexico Towans, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Porthcothan, Booby’s, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets, Sandymouth, Westward Ho!, Sandymere

Patrols on the following beaches begin on 25 May: Exmouth, Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth north

Attached is an image of an RNLI lifeguard. Credit RNLI

The RNLI’s national fundraising event Mayday is running from Wednesday 1 May throughout the month with fundraising events taking place around the UK. For more information visit rnli.org.uk/mayday

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 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.