RNLI lifeguards return to beaches for 2024 summer season

Indifferent weather conditions meant some beaches were red-flagged across the Easter holidays, (Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April) but the lifeguards remained busy. RNLI lifeguards were on duty on 25 beaches in the south west during the Easter holidays and responded to multiple incidents - one of which took place at Woolacombe beach on Easter Sunday (31 March).

RNLI lifeguards Ethan Ivall and Ethan Kirkby-Dott were down at the water’s edge encouraging people to move into the red and yellow flagged area. It became clear that two bodyboarders were in difficulty, at which point the two lifeguards entered the water and were able to recover the bodyboarders safely to the shore on their rescue boards.

RNLI lifeguards in Perranporth also dealt with an incident where two women got knocked off their feet by a tidal surge, which dragged out them out cutting them off from the beach. Members of the public supported the two women before the lifeguards brought them back to shore and did casualty care checks.

RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south west, Guy Botterill said:

‘Daily lifeguard patrols return on 25 beaches across the south west this Saturday. 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. The RNLI encourages those going to the coast head to a lifeguarded beach. If swimming or bodyboarding stay between the red and yellow flags and if you need any local information or are unsure about anything, please ask an RNLI lifeguard.’

RNLI lifeguards will patrol the following beaches full-time from Saturday 4 May. Cornwall - Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Tregonhawke ,Widemouth, Summerleaze, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Gwithian, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor, Sennen

Devon - Bantham, Exmouth, Woolacombe, Croyde

Dorset - Weymouth Beach

Jersey - Le Braye.

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend 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.