It’s that time of year again! RNLI lifeguards returning to South West beaches

With the 2023 season set to begin shortly, RNLI figures reveal that in 2022, RNLI lifeguards covering the south west dealt with 9,835 incidents, aided 11,858 people and saved 34 lives.

The RNLI works in partnership with Councils and private beach owners each year to set up and roll out a lifeguard service at their request. Setting up a lifeguard service each season involves several different elements including recruiting, training lifeguards and organising the logistics to deliver equipment and in some cases lifeguard units to each beach.

For the two week school Easter Holidays (Saturday 1 April - Sunday 16 April) the following beaches will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards:

Cornwall: Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Fistral, Towan, Sennen, Porthmeor, Hayle, Gwithian, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze.

Devon: Croyde and Woolacombe on the north Devon coast, along with Bantham and Exmouth on the south coast.

Dorset: Weymouth beach.

Jersey: Le Braye, St Ouen’s.

Patrols will continue daily at Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen until the end of September, while patrols on a number of other beaches will have weekend cover and will return daily for the summer on Saturday 29 April, following the Easter holidays.

Tim Fallowfield, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor in the South West, said:

‘The RNLI has been working closely with Councils and local communities to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped, and that lifeguard training has been performed seamlessly.

Pre-season preparations are in full swing and the charity’s lifeguards are eager to return to the beaches and do what they do best - offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.

‘We'd highly recommend people to head to one of our RNLI lifeguarded beaches this Easter and speak to the lifeguards to find out the local beach risks, tides and weather conditions.

Good weather would be most welcome, however it’s important to remember that the water is usually at its coldest at this time of the year which increases the risk of cold water shock. Additionally, the winter weather at your local beach might have altered the landscape and terrain, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with any new hazards such as rips or exposed rocks.

Be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned, and always have a means of calling for help. We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter.’

Councils in the region invest each year in keeping their beach visitors safe by contributing to RNLI costs, which helps to meet lifeguard wages, while the extensive training and equipment needed is provided by the charity through public donations.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said:

‘It’s great to see lifeguards returning to the beaches as we enter the Easter holidays. Each year they rescue dozens of people and help prevent tragedies. Remember to follow their advice and please stay safe when visiting our beautiful beaches.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:

· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

· Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.

· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.

· In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

· Media are invited to watch lifeguard training with interview and filming opportunities available at Summerleaze Beach Bude, on Thursday 30th March from 11am. The lifeguards will be training in the water on Rescue Water Crafts. Please contact Emily or Emma below to confirm your attendance, or requirements.

Season dates will vary from Easter onwards and so people should visit the RNLI website for the most up to date information on when their chosen beach will be lifeguarded. RNLI lifeguards will be on 23 beaches across the south west from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 16 April. These are:

Cornwall – Sennen, Porthmeor, Gwithian, Hayle, Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Fistral, Towan, Watergate, Mawgan Porth, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Tregonhawke.

Devon – Croyde, Woolacombe, Bantham, Exmouth

Dorset – Weymouth

Channel Islands – St. Ouen’s Le Braye

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Emily Bray, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (South West) on 07929 673281 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

RNLI Online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.