Thousands of Children Briefed as Lifeguards Return to Cornwall’s Beaches This Weekend

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, RNLI lifeguards gear up to return to Cornwall’s beaches following visits to 40,000 schoolchildren across the South West.

Lifeguards Back on Patrol from 3rd May

RNLI lifeguards will be returning to 26 beaches across the south west from Saturday 3rd May as daily patrols for the summer season begin. More beaches will see patrols start on Saturday 24th May, with further additions in July during the peak season.

In Cornwall, the following beaches will be patrolled from 3rd May: Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Tregonhawke, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Perranporth, Gwithian North, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor and Sennen.

📷Pupils from St Nicholas C of E School in Downderry, Cornwall meeting RNLI lifeguards - Credit: RNLI

40,000 Children Learn How to Stay Safe on the Coast

In preparation for the busy season, RNLI lifeguards have visited 288 schools across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, speaking to around 40,000 pupils as part of their ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme. These sessions have focused on key safety messages, including:

• The importance of visiting lifeguarded beaches.
• Understanding beach flags and their meanings.
• How to “Float to Live” if in trouble in the water.
• Spotting and escaping rip currents.
• What to do in a coastal emergency.

Tim Treloar, Water Safety Education Manager for the south west, explained the value of the sessions, saying:

“Our lifeguards have really enjoyed returning to schools this year. This programme is very important to us leading up to the summer season where we see so many families bring their children to the wonderful beaches in this area. It encourages families to plan their visit and to choose a lifeguarded beach.”

Tim added:

“We teach the children about how to Float to Live, the risks in the water and on the beach, and how to seek help in an emergency. We aim to increase children’s awareness of the potential dangers that exist around the coast, such as being aware of the weather conditions and changing tides, along with the ability to identify beach flags.”

RNLI Urges Public to Stay Safe Over Bank Holiday

With warm weather forecast and an increase in visitors expected this Early May Bank Holiday weekend, RNLI is urging beachgoers to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety, issued a reminder:

“With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast. Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperature remains dangerously cold.

If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.

In any coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

📷Pupils from St Nicholas C of E School in Downderry, Cornwall meeting RNLI lifeguards - Credit: RNLI