The 15 Cornwall beaches keeping RNLI lifeguards for half term

A half-term walk on the sand, a last bodyboard before the winter wetsuit comes out, a blustery afternoon with the kids. If any of that is on the cards, there is good news. RNLI lifeguards are staying on 15 beaches across Cornwall for an extra week this October, beyond the end of the main seasonal service.

The extended patrols run daily from this Saturday (17 October) to Sunday 1 November 2026, lined up with the school half-term holiday. They are funded through Cornwall Council and Watergate Bay, and delivered by RNLI lifeguards as part of ongoing efforts to support beach safety over the school holidays.

Which beaches have lifeguards this half term

These 15 beaches will be patrolled daily by RNLI lifeguards from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November:

• Widemouth
• Summerleaze
• Polzeath
• Harlyn
• Constantine
• Hayle Towans
• Gwithian North
• Chapel Porth
• Porthtowan
• Mawgan Porth
• Towan
• Crantock
• Praa Sands
• Tregonhawke
• Watergate Bay

They join four Cornish beaches where full-time daily patrols already continue until 1 November:

• Fistral
• Perranporth
• Porthmeor
• Sennen

Lifeguard hours change when the clocks go back

RNLI lifeguards will be on duty from 10am to 6pm. Once the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, cover will finish at 5pm instead.

📷RNLI lifeguard on Rescue Water Craft at Fistral Beach. Credit: RNLI/Mat Hammond

Why autumn at the beach still needs care

Guy Botterill, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Cornwall Council and Watergate Bay to provide an additional week of lifeguard cover at 15 beaches across Cornwall.

“October half term remains a busy period on Cornwall’s beaches, with many families and visitors choosing to make the most of the coast before winter arrives. By aligning patrol dates with the school holidays, we can continue to provide safety advice, preventative actions and emergency response when it is needed most.”

Guy added that the risks at the coast do not disappear with the summer. “Autumn can bring powerful waves, strong rip currents and rapidly changing weather conditions, so we’d encourage anyone planning a trip to the beach to choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible and speak to our lifeguards for local safety advice.”

What Cornwall Council says

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We know how much people enjoy Cornwall’s beaches, and it’s brilliant that RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at some of our beaches for an extra week during half term.

“Thank you to the RNLI teams who work so hard to keep people safe and who are there to help when people need them.”

Thalia’s advice for anyone heading to the coast was simple. “Listen to what they tell you, check the flags and tide times, and don’t be afraid to ask them if you’re unsure about the conditions.”

📷RNLI lifeguards on Inshore Rescue Boat at Fistral beach. Credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams

What to do before you go, and if you get into trouble

RNLI lifeguards are asking beachgoers to:

• Visit a lifeguarded beach.
• Check tide times and weather forecasts before heading out.
• Always swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags.

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

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, using your hands to help you stay afloat.

📷RNLI lifeguard at Perranporth beach. Credit: Peter Hancock/RNLI