Cornwall Lifeguards Return to 20 Beaches as Cold Sea Warning Issued

A warm bank holiday weekend is on the way, but the water off the south west coast is still cold enough to put lives at risk.

RNLI lifeguards will be back on daily patrols from Saturday 2nd May, covering 27 beaches across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset as the summer season officially gets under way.

The return to daily cover lands just ahead of the bank holiday rush, and it also marks 25 years since the RNLI lifeguard service was first set up.

Which Cornwall beaches are covered

Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen are already patrolled every day of the year. From 2nd May, lifeguards will also be back on daily duty at Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Crantock, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Gwithian North, Hayle Towans, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze.

In Devon, daily patrols return to Croyde, Woolacombe, Bantham, Exmouth West and Exmouth East. Weymouth in Dorset and Le Braye in Jersey are also on the list.

📷Lifeguards patrolling at Bantham beach, South Devon during Easter holidays - Credit: RNLI/Luke Lane-Prokopiou

The sea is colder than it looks

The RNLI is keen to remind people that warm air does not mean warm water. Anything below 15°C counts as cold water, and it can have a serious effect on breathing and movement, a reaction known as cold water shock.

Joel Ninnes, Water Safety Delivery Support for the RNLI, said: “If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try to remain calm and remember Float to Live: lean back with your ears submerged, extend your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing before moving to safety.”

Joel added: “If you need help, or see someone else in trouble, call for help immediately. Raise an arm to attract attention and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Calling early can help save lives.”

Check before you go

Not every beach has lifeguard cover at this time of year. The RNLI is asking people to check online before setting off and to swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty.

In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. More safety advice is available at rnli.org/safety.

📷RNLI lifeguards monitoring the water at Perran sands - Credit: RNLI/Peter Hancock