RNLI lifeguard patrols continue into October on 18 beaches in the South West
With patrols on the majority of RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the south west ending this Sunday (29 September), the charity is urging those intending on using the water to head to one of the 18 beaches across Devon and Cornwall with extended patrols into October.
The beaches that have an extended service beyond the end of September with cover on weekends and during the school half term (Saturday 19 October until Sunday 27 October) are;
Praa Sands, Gwithian, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Towan, Watergate, Mawgan Porth, Harlyn, Constantine, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze in Cornwall plus Woolacombe and Bantham in Devon
Fistral, Porthmeor and Sennen in Cornwall, and Croyde in North Devon will have cover every day in October right up until the end of October half term (Sunday 27 October)
Matt Whitley, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for North Devon says;
‘October is a busy month for the lifeguards on our beaches in the south west as we see more and more people using the water later into the year. Sea temperatures are still fairly warm and with wetsuits and equipment more readily available, getting to a beach and enjoying the water has become more accessible to everyone.
It’s great to see and we’re pleased that we can offer a lifeguard service for those people heading to the beach.
The RNLI service is on 18 beaches across the region. Where there are no flags, there is no lifeguard service. Those who can’t make it to a lifeguarded beach can help keep themselves safe by taking note of the safety signage at the entrance to the beach, going with a friend or telling someone on the shore where they are going, at the same time always being aware of the conditions and their own capabilities in the water. Those who enjoy walking and exploring the coastline should also check the local tide times.’
The lifeguards will be on duty on the selected beaches between 10am and 6pm until the clocks go back on Sunday 27 October when the operational hours will be reduced to 10am-5pm for the last day of patrols.
Note to editors
- Attached is a photo of the lifeguards on duty. Credit RNLI/Nigel Millard
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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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