List Of Beaches RNLI Lifeguards to Patrol in Cornwall During Easter 2024 Holidays

Published On: 28 March 2024Last Updated: 28 March 2024By CornishStuff

As the Easter school holidays approach, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is set to redeploy its lifeguards to safeguard visitors across beaches in Cornwall.

From Friday, 29th March, through to Sunday, 14th April 2024, 25 beaches in the region will be under the watchful eyes of RNLI lifeguards, ensuring safety and assistance for beachgoers during this bustling period.

Pre-Season Preparations

The RNLI lifeguards have completed an intensive two-week training programme in preparation for the upcoming season. This rigorous regimen included enhancing their casualty care abilities, undergoing fitness assessments, honing lifesaving techniques both in and out of the water, and mastering watercraft operations. These preparations come in the wake of the RNLI’s lifeguards responding to 7,501 incidents, assisting 10,398 individuals, and saving 38 lives across the south west in 2023.

Lifeguard-Patrolled Beaches In Cornwall

For the duration of the two-week Easter holidays, the following beaches will be patrolled:

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

Post-Easter, daily patrols will continue at Sennen, Porthmeor, Perranporth, and Fistral, with the remaining beaches seeing weekend patrols until daily coverage resumes on 4th May.

Lifeguard Advice for Beachgoers

Guy, the RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south west, emphasises the importance of visiting lifeguarded beaches. He advises beachgoers to consult lifeguards for local beach risks, tide, and weather condition information. Guy highlights the increased risk of cold water shock during this period and advises the public to be vigilant of the winter-altered beach landscapes.

Local Support and Safety Tips

The RNLI’s efforts are supported by local authorities and private beach owners who contribute towards lifeguard wages, while training and equipment are funded by public donations. Councillor Martyn Alvey of Cornwall Council praised the RNLI’s life-saving efforts and urged the public to heed their advice for a safe beach experience.

Visitors are encouraged to:

Choose lifeguarded beaches and swim within the designated flags.
Stay informed about the weather, tide times, and local hazards.
Supervise family members closely, both on the beach and in the water.
Follow the “Float to Live” principle if caught in a surprise fall into the water.
In emergencies, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The RNLI’s return to the beaches for the Easter holidays is a welcomed reassurance for both locals and tourists planning to enjoy the south west’s beautiful coastlines, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.