Lifeguard cover finishes on 13 beaches across Cornwall as summer season ends
The RNLI is urging people to still visit lifeguarded spots so they can stay safe
Lifeguard cover is drawing to a close on 13 beaches across Cornwall as the summer season comes to a close.
25 beaches across the South West in total will finish RNLI patrols for the 2021 season this Sunday (5th September).
During the peak summer season, RNLI lifeguards operate on over 90 beaches across the south west region. This gives the public a wide range of choice when planning a visit to the coast to enjoy the warm summer months.
The lifeguards in the south west have had one of the busiest summers ever, with huge visitor numbers descending on the region.
As we move towards autumn, the RNLI use a staggered approach to withdraw the lifeguard service based on a variety of factors including visitor numbers, previous incident statistics and local hazards.
The beaches in Cornwall that will finish RNLI lifeguard patrols are:
• Northcott
• Crackington Haven
• Lusty Glaze
• South Fistral
• Perranuthnoe
• Marazion
• Carbis Bay
• Porthkidney
• Porthleven
• Gunwalloe
• Polurrian Cove
• Freathy
• Tregantle (weekend only lifeguard service)
The charity have recently launched the RNLI South West Lifeguard Appeal with the aim of raising the vital funds needed to train the lifeguards to carry out their lifesaving work.
Dave Nicoll, Fundraising and Partnership Lead in the south west said:
"RNLI lifeguards have been working extremely hard throughout spring and summer to deliver a world-class lifeguard service across our region’s coast, allowing thousands of people to enjoy their time at the beach with friends and family.
"We are now looking to those people to help us rasie the money needed to train our lifeguards in casualty care and lifesaving techniques. So if you were helped by one of our lifeguards this summer, or if you simply want to make a kind donation, please visit our JustGiving page."
To make a donation to the RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021
Although a number of beahes will finish operations at the end of the weekend, the majority of RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the region will continue to operate a daily lifeguard service between 10am-6pm.
That means there is still a wide range of locations to choose from depending on where you are planning to go.
You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach here.
Joel Ninnes, who is part of the regional Water Safety Team said:
"We always stress the importance of going to a lifeguarded beach when planning a trip to the coast, especially if you are going in the water. This is because our lifeguards are there to inform you of any potential dangers and are always ready to respond in an emergency situation should you need their help. Remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards can see you.
"Now that we are moving away from summer, beaches across the region will begin to close as part of a planned withdrawal of the lifeguard service, so please check what beaches will have cover by regularly visiting the RNLI website. Some beaches in the south west will be running a lifeguard service until the end of October."
If you ever see anyone in trouble in the water, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.