Over 80 lives saved at sea across the South West
The RNLI have released rescue figures ahead of lifeguards returning to 20 Cornish beaches this weekend
Over 80 lives were saved across the South West last year according to latest figures by the RNLI.
Latest statistics reveal that in 2024 RNLI lifesavers in the south west* saved over 80 lives. The charity’s lifeguards responded to 6,892 incidents, aided 9,178 people and saved 43 lives, while volunteer lifeboat crews launched 1,475 times, saving 39 lives and spent a total of 10,342 hours at sea.
As the Easter school holidays approach, RNLI lifesavers are preparing up for a busy period with the charity’s lifeguards ready to return to beaches across the region. From Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April, RNLI lifeguards will patrol 26 beaches across the south west.
After several weeks of rigorous training- including essential skills in casualty care, fitness testing, lifesaving skills in and out of the water and watercraft operations, RNLI lifeguards are fully prepared to keep beachgoers safe this Easter.
The charity’s lifeboat stations and volunteer crews have also been gearing up for a busy season ahead. 2024 stats reveal that some of the more common incidents RNLI lifeboat crews responded to involved small sailing and motor craft with mechanical failure, other frequent shouts involved paddleboarders and kayakers caught out by the conditions.
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this Spring to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned and to heed the following safety advice:
Check your vessel or equipment
Wear a lifejacket and have a means of calling for help
Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the 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.
Guy Botterill, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the south west says the lifeguards have been working closely with local authorities and private beach owners on the roll out of the lifeguard service and to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped for the 2025 lifeguard season. He says;
‘Over the last few weeks, our lifeguards have been working hard in their training and inductions to prepare for the new season. They are excited to be back on the beaches doing what they do best; providing the highest quality lifesaving service.
‘If you are heading to the coast over Easter, we strongly advise going to a lifeguarded beach. Our lifeguards are experts on the local beach risks, tides and weather conditions, so please speak to them for advice and information.
‘It’s important to remember that the water is usually at its coldest at this time of the year, which increases the risk of cold water shock. Additionally, the winter weather at your local beach might have altered the landscape and terrain, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with any new hazards such as rip currents or exposed rocks.’
Lifeguards will patrol the following beaches in Cornwall full-time for the two-week Easter holidays from Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April:
Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Tregonhawke ,Widemouth, Summerleaze, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Perranporth, Gwithian North, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor, Sennen
After the Easter holidays, RNLI lifeguards will continue to provide daily patrols on Sennen, Porthmeor, Perranporth and Fistral. The other beaches will be patrolled over the weekend of 26 – 27 April and return to daily patrols from Saturday 3 May for the rest of the summer.
For more information about which beaches will be lifeguarded visit the RNLI website rnli.org/findmynearest
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