RNLI lifeguards return to 16 Cornish beaches for the summer after 'very busy' Easter
Teams have issued a safety warning after multiple rip current rescues
RNLI lifeguards are returning to multiple Cornish beaches for the summer season, following what was reported to be a very busy Easter.
Crews across the south west carried out multiple rescues, major first aids and preventative actions over the last bank holiday.
Now as the latest long weekend begins, anyone heading to the coast is being urged to use a lifeguarded beach and stay safe.
Beaches along the north coast of Cornwall were among the region's busiest over Easter and multiple rescues were carried out in the Newquay area.
These included a windsurfer blown offshore, a surfer who was carried around 1000m offshore at Fistral by large waves and a rip current and around 10 people caught in strong conditions at Crantock who were rescued by a local surf school.
Other incidents included two people and their dog stranded near Tregonhawke after getting cut off by the incoming tide and a man who fell from the cliff path at Chapel Porth.
Two swimmers in significant difficulty in the Bude area had to be rescued by watercraft, one of whom appeared to be suffering from hypothermia.
Speaking about that rescue, RNLI lifeguard supervisor Ross Hambley said: "This incident demonstrates the importance of choosing to visit a lifeguarded beach.
"Rip currents are extremely dangerous and can catch anybody off-guard, so it is important to speak to the lifeguards before entering the water.
"If you find yourself caught in a rip current don’t try to swim against it or you'll get exhausted.
"If you can stand, wade don’t swim, but if you are out of your depth then try to swim parallel to the shore until you’re free of the rip and then head for shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help".
What beaches will be lifeguarded from this weekend?
From Saturday 30th April, lifeguards will return to the following beaches for daily patrols for the 2022 season:
Gwithian, Hayle, Constantine, Treyarnon, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Bude Summerleaze, Porthtowan, Mawgan Porth, Watergate Bay, Towan, Praa Sands, Sharrow, Tregantle and Tregonhawke.
You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach on the RNLI's website.
What is the safety advice?
As the bank holiday weekend approaches, and with the potential of good weather, the charity is urging everybody to follow the beach safety advice:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float
• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard
You can watch the charity's Float to Live safety video below or check out its website for more water safety advice.