Lifeguard patrols on 32 beaches in Cornwall end for winter
RNLI cover will continue at four sites until the end of October, including Fistral in Newquay
Last updated 26th Sep 2021
From Sunday 26th September, lifeguard cover on most of Cornwall's beaches will end for the winter.
The RNLI is stopping patrols on 32 across the Duchy, as the influx of summer visitors eases.
However four will continue until October 31st, including Fistral in Newquay and Porthmeor at St Ives.
As we move away from summer the charity uses a staggered approach to withdraw the lifeguard service based on a variety of factors, including visitor numbers, previous incident statistics and local hazards.
Although many beaches will finish operations at the end of the weekend, the service will continue to run daily between 10am - 6pm on six of the Duchy and Devon's busiest beaches, as well as weekend cover on 13 other beaches.
Oliver Shilston, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for the Penwith area of Cornwall said: "Throughout summer we always stress the importance of going to a lifeguarded beach and although summer is over, we would still urge anyone planning on entering the water to always choose a lifeguarded beach.
"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 that can increase the frequency and power of rip currents, which are one of the biggest dangers in the sea.
"If you choose a lifeguarded beach the lifeguards are always ready to respond in an emergency situation, should you need their help. If you ever see anyone in trouble in the water, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
"There are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your friends and family safe. Check the weather conditions and tide times before you leave, always read beach safety signage at the entrance to the beach and take time to understand the information and any local hazards. Never enter the water alone and keep an eye on each other. If you can, always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
"A number of beaches in the south west are running a lifeguard service until the end of October, you can find your nearest lifeguarded beach and all the information, including season dates, by visiting the RNLI website".
Where is my nearest lifeguarded beach?
The following six beaches in Devon and Cornwall will continue a full-time daily lifeguard service between 10am-6pm until Sunday 31st October:
• Woolacombe
• Croyde
• Fistral
• Perranporth
• Porthmeor
• Sennen
The following 13 beaches in Cornwall and Devon will operate a weekend-only and daily October half-term (23 – 31 October) service:
• Widemouth
• Summerleaze
• Harlyn
• Constanine
• Polzeath
• Towan
• Watergate Bay
• Mawgan Porth
• Porthtowan
• Gwithian North
• Praa Sands
• Tregonhawke
• Bantham (Devon)
You can check the full list of lifeguarded beaches across Cornwall, Devon and the UK on the RNLI website.
Sea safety advice, including the RNLI's Float to Live technique, can also be found on the RNLI website.