RNLI lifeguards return to 22 South West beaches for October half-term
People planning to visit the coast are being asked to choose a lifeguarded beach
RNLI lifeguards in the South West are returning to 22 beaches for the October half-term.
Teams will be on patrol from today (Saturday 26 October) until Sunday 3 November. Due to the clocks going back on Saturday 26 October, RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling during daylight hours of 10am until 5pm.
RNLI lifeguards will be on the following beaches: Widemouth, Summerleaze, Polzeath, Harlyn, Constantine, Gwithian North, Hayle, Porthtowan, Watergate Bay, Towan, Crantock, Praa Sands, Tregonhawke, Perranporth, Fistral, Sennen, Porthmeor, Mawgan Porth, Woolacombe, Croyde, Bantham, and Le Braye in Jersey.
RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said:
"Half-term will likely see more people heading to the coast and so we’d like to remind people that if you are wishing to visit a beach, choose a lifeguarded beach.
"If you’re swimming and bodyboarding do so between the red and yellow flags, and if you’re unsure about anything to ask an RNLI lifeguard.
"We’d also like to remind people that conditions are a lot more challenging at this time of year with bigger swells due to autumn storms. We will also see spring tides towards the end of the half term week, which means faster moving currents, and an increased risk of tidal cut offs.
"If you do find yourself in trouble in the water, remember the RNLI’s advice to not panic and float to live - lie flat on your back with your arms outstretched, ears submerged and allow your body to adapt to the water."
The RNLI advice is if you are going to the coast, to head to a lifeguarded beach. If no flags are there it means no lifeguards are present.
The charity asks that if you are heading onto the water, to take a means of communication with you, let people know where you are going and check the conditions before you set off. If you see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.