Lifeguards Ready as Cornwall’s Beaches Gear Up for Busy Summer Season

Photo: RNLI/Dean Wright

As the sun sets on spring, RNLI lifeguards are poised to return to 25 beaches across Cornwall this Saturday, just in time for the early May Bank Holiday.

With an increase in coastal visitors expected, the RNLI is emphasising the importance of beach safety.

Increased Patrols Amidst Seasonal Rush

Starting this weekend, RNLI lifeguards will be stationed full-time at popular Cornwall beaches such as:

• Crantock
• Fistral
• Towan
• Watergate Bay
• Mawgan Porth
• Tregonhawke
• Widemouth
• Summerleaze
• Treyarnon
• Constantine
• Harlyn
• Polzeath
• Praa Sands
• Porthtowan
• Perranporth
• Gwithian
• Hayle Towans
• Porthmeor
• Sennen

This move comes in anticipation of the large crowds expected to flock to the coast to enjoy the warm weather and scenic views.

Recent Challenges and Heroic Rescues

The return of the lifeguards follows a challenging Easter period, where an incident at Perranporth, where a sudden tidal surge caught two women off-guard, dragging them away from safety. Thanks to the quick response of public bystanders and the RNLI team, the women were safely returned to shore and received immediate care.

Safety Advice for Beach Visitors

Guy Botterill, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead, is advising visitors to choose lifeguarded beaches for their holiday outings. “The bank holiday weekend is usually a busy period and we want to make sure people have a good time in the water but remain safe whilst doing so,” he stated. Beachgoers are encouraged to swim between the designated red and yellow flags and seek local information from RNLI lifeguards.

Key Safety Tips

Visitors are urged to stay vigilant by observing several safety measures:

• Choose beaches with lifeguard presence.
• Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Check weather forecasts and tide times.
• Keep close watch over family members, especially in the water.
• Follow the “Float to Live” principle if caught unexpectedly in the water.

In the event of an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

With RNLI lifeguards back on duty, beachgoers can look forward to a safer and more enjoyable summer season along the beautiful Cornwall coast.