Penlee RNLI issues warning to anyone heading to Cornwall’s beaches

The sea looks inviting when the sun is out. That is exactly the problem this week.

Penlee RNLI is asking anyone planning a trip to the coast in the hot weather to think carefully before they go in, because conditions along the south coast are not behaving the way they normally do at this time of year.

Why the sea is behaving strangely

Strong easterly winds have combined with large spring tides, and the result is difficult water on many exposed south coast beaches. Places that would usually offer calm, sheltered bathing are instead producing large breaking waves, strong currents and unpredictable conditions.

The winds are forecast to continue for several more days. That means the risk to anyone entering the sea stays high for the rest of the week, not just today.

📷Credit: RNLI

What the RNLI wants you to do

The advice is simple, and it is worth reading even if you have swum at your local beach a hundred times before.

• Choose a lifeguarded beach. Patrols run from 10am to 6pm. – Use the RNLI Find my nearest lifeguarded beach webpage here.
• Check local conditions before you set off.
• Follow the advice of the RNLI lifeguards on the beach.
• If you get into difficulty in the water, Float to Live.
• If you see anyone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The Cornwall beaches with lifeguard cover

Lifeguarded beaches in Cornwall from May 17 include Seaton, Sharrow, Tregantle, Poldhu Cove, Kennack, Gyllyngvase, Perranuthnoe, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Portreath, St Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithian South, Upton Towans, Beach View, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Porthcothan, Booby’s, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets and Sandymouth.

If the beach you had in mind is not on that list, the RNLI’s message is to pick one that is.

📷Credit: RNLI