RNLI Urges Beachgoers to Pick Lifeguarded Beaches This Weekend

A third of people who regularly visit the south west coast have admitted something that should give every beachgoer pause this bank holiday weekend: they wouldn’t know how to keep themselves afloat if they got into trouble in the water.

With warm weather and surf forecast across the long weekend and into the Whitsun half term, the RNLI is urging anyone heading to the coast to pick an RNLI lifeguarded beach and swim safely.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the south west coastline to make the most of the sunshine and surf. To meet the demand, RNLI lifeguards are returning in greater numbers, with 67 beaches across the region patrolled daily from Saturday 23rd May.

The charity is reminding people that the sea can look inviting in bright weather but still carries risk. The safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags on a lifeguarded beach.

A busy weekend ahead for lifeguard teams

Guy Botterill, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead, said: ‘It’s fantastic to have sunshine forecast for the bank holiday weekend and settled weather into the Whitsun half term. Our lifeguard teams are preparing for a busy time, working incredibly hard to keep beach goers safe.

‘We’d always encourage people to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you’re new to surfing, head between the black and white flags.

‘Our RNLI lifeguards are really approachable and will be monitoring the conditions carefully, so come and have a chat if you’re unsure where’s best to go or what the sea’s doing that day, we’re here to help you enjoy the beach safely.’

Why the warning matters

The advice lands alongside new RNLI research showing that while people in the south west regularly visit the coast, some still underestimate the dangers. Around a third (35%) say they wouldn’t know how to float if they got into trouble in the water, and many admit they may overestimate their ability, particularly when tired or in cold water.

The RNLI is encouraging people to keep this in mind when enjoying the sea over the bank holiday and half term, even in good conditions.

Float to Live

Alongside its lifeguard service, the charity continues to promote its Float to Live advice, a technique that could help save your life if you get into trouble in the water:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to control your breathing
• Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Practise in a supervised location like a swimming pool

Emmie Seward-Adams, RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support, said: ‘We know that, with the warm weather coming, we’ll see a huge rise in numbers of people visiting the coast and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice.

‘The effects of cold water and finding yourself in difficulty in the water, instinctively cause people to gasp, panic and try to fight the water.

‘We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing then you can call for help or swim to safety. Practise in a safe, supervised environment like your local swimming pool.’

If you see someone else in difficulty in the water, the RNLI advises calling 999 or 112 and asking for the Coastguard.

The Cornish beaches with daily lifeguard cover

These Cornwall beaches have daily RNLI lifeguard cover from Saturday 23rd May: Tregonhawke, Seaton, Sharrow, Tregantle, Poldhu Cove, Praa Sands, Kennack, Gyllyngvase, Perranuthnoe, Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, Watergate, Porth, Mawgan Porth, Portreath, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, St Agnes, Perranporth, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithian North, Gwithian South, Upton Towans, Beach View, Hayle Towans, Porthminster, Porthmeor, Gwenver, Sennen, Porthcurno, Porthcothan, Treyarnon, Constantine, Booby’s, Harlyn, Trevone, Polzeath, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Crooklets and Sandymouth.

You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach on the RNLI website.