Lifeguards are coming to more beaches in the South West
They will be patrolling more than 90 beaches during the busiest time of year
More beaches are being patrolled by RNLI lifeguards as peak season starts across the Southwest region.
RNLI lifeguards will begin patrols across 23 more beaches in Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall from Saturday (8th July) until the 3rd of September.
The new recruits join to the 70 beaches in the region, which already have lifeguard patrols.
Henry Irvine is the RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the Southwest:
“With the peak summer season just around the corner, the addition of these lifeguarded beaches provides the public with a greater selection of patrolled beaches to visit.
“I highly recommend everyone chooses a lifeguarded beach this summer, and swim between the red and yellow flags so that you have the best chance of staying safe in the water.”
The beaches that will begin daily lifeguard patrols from 10am – 6pm are:
In Somerset: Burnham-on-Sea, Brean weekends beginning 8 July, 15 July and 22 July followed by full time service to 3 September.
In Devon: Bigbury-on-Sea, Hope Cove, Slapton Sands (Torcross), Blackpool Sands and Teignmouth South.
In Cornwall: Crackington Haven, Northcott, South Fistral, Lusty Glaze, Porthkidney, Carbis Bay, Marazion, Perranuthnoe, Gunwalloe and Porthleven.
The RNLI Float to Live campaign running this summer, encourages everyone to practice floating as we all float differently.
“If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat.” Henry said.
“It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Then, call for help if you can. If you spot someone else in trouble in the water call 999 – if you are at sea or on the beach, ask for the Coastguard.”