RNLI advice to stay safe on south west beaches

With the October school half term upon us, the RNLI is calling on anyone planning to visit the south west to keep themselves and their families safe by visiting lifeguarded beaches.

RNLI lifeguards will be providing safety cover on Praa Sands, Porthmeor, Gwithian, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Fistral, Polzeath and Widemouth in Cornwall, plus Croyde, Woolacombe, and Bantham in Devon on weekends in October and during the October school half term.

Also Fistral beach in Newquay will be patrolled during the whole of October for the first time this year and patrols will continue into November weekends for the second season at Fistral with RNLI lifeguards volunteering to operate this cover.

Greg Spray, RNLI Divisional Lifeguard Manager for Cornwall, says:

‘The charity is delighted to be able to extend the lifeguard season into October at an additional three Cornwall beaches plus a further 15 days at Fistral, providing safety cover at some of the busiest beaches for those looking to prolong the summer season and enjoy the favourable surf conditions autumn brings. Beaches have been strategically chosen to ensure the RNLI lifeguard service is accessible for people, particularly along the popular stretch of north Cornish coastline.

‘We’d recommend that beach users choose a lifeguarded beach and follow the lifeguards’ advice. 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.

‘Past November, the charity’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews remain on call 24 hours a day and ready to respond to anyone in difficulty around the coast. However it’s essential that people are aware of the dangers and know how to look after themselves in the water to prevent incidents.’