RNLI lifeguard patrols reduce on many South West beaches for the 2023 season
People are being urged to be cautious when visiting the coast this autumn
The RNLI is urging people to be cautious when visiting the coast this autumn, as lifeguards conclude their patrols across many South West beaches today (Sunday 24 September) for the 2023 season.
During the peak summer season, RNLI lifeguards operate on over 90 beaches across the region.
As we move into the autumn months, the life-saving charity continue to use a staggered approach to withdraw the lifeguard service based on a variety of factors including visitor numbers, previous incident statistics and local hazards.
From today, the following beaches will be patrolled weekends only into October, and then daily from 21 to 29 October - Bantham, Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Gwithian, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Croyde, Summerleaze and Le Braye (Jersey).
The following beaches will be patrolled every day until Sunday 29 October - Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen.
Woolacombe will be patrolled every day until 1 October, and then on weekends only until 21 October. It will then be patrolled daily for the duration of the half term week, ending on 29 October.
Guy Botterill, RNLI Lifeguard Lead, says: "This time of year, the water is at its warmest and 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.
"As our full season finishes for RNLI lifeguards and patrols end on many beaches, we urge people to make best use of the beaches which still have RNLI lifeguard patrols and choose to visit one of these.
"The lifeguards on duty can advise on local hazards and continually assess the conditions throughout the day positioning red and yellow flags in the safest area to swim and black and white flags in the safest area to surf."
If you visit a beach without RNLI lifeguard patrols, be aware of the conditions and always carry a means of calling for help. If you ever see anyone in trouble in the water, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach and check its season dates, please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
RNLI Float to Live advice:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Move your hands to help you stay afloat
- Once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety
- In an emergency call 999 or 112– if you are at sea or on the beach ask for the coastguard