RNLI advise visiting lifeguarded beaches over half term.
A selection of beaches across the south west will have lifeguards from 10am to 6pm over the half term
Last updated 22nd Oct 2023
The RNLI is pleased to be able to provide lifeguard cover from 10am till 6pm on a number of beaches later into the season, enabling people to enjoy the water safely in the autumn.
From the 21st of October until the 28th of October, in Cornwall, the beaches with lifeguard patrols are Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor, Sennen, Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Gwithian, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze, In Devon, the included beaches are are Woolacombe, Croyde and Bantham.
Although the water is at it's warmest at this time of year, we tend to see an increase in swell, meaning bigger, more consistent waves, but this can also increase the frequency and power of rip currents, increasing the importance of safety when visiting the beach, especially when unfamiliar with the area.
The RNLI have highlighted that as the winter approaches, the sea conditions become increasingly dangerous. Storms that hit the south west coastline cause big swell which heighten the risk for those going in the sea.
Guy Botterill, the Regional Lifeguard Lead said: "As we reach the October half term with patrols ending on the beaches next weekend, we urge people to make best use of the beaches which still have RNLI lifeguard patrols."
He points out that lifeguards, with local knowledge can advise on local hazards and position red and yellow flags in the safest area to swim and black and white flags in the safest area to surf.
The patrolled beaches are spread geographically around the south west coast, to enable people to choose a lifeguarded beach near to them.
The RNLI advise against going to the beach alone, and if visiting outside of lifeguard patrolling hours, they suggest going with someone with a mobile, so that help can be reached if needed.
They also have this advice for beach goers-
If you go in the sea and find yourself in a rip current, don’t fight against it. If you can stand, wade, instead of swimming to shore. If you can’t touch the floor and have the energy, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
If you don’t have the strength to swim, preserve your energy by floating.