RNLI lifeguards will take up daily posts on the county’s beaches from this weekend (Saturday 30 April) as patrols for the 2016 summer season get underway. 

Following successful Easter patrols, RNLI lifeguards have spent the last few weeks visiting more than 200 local primary schools in Cornwall as part of the ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme, and estimate that they’ve spoken to 20,000 pupils about how to best stay safe on the beach. 

With the Bank Holiday weekend approaching, the RNLI is urging people heading to the coast to take heed of the charity’s safety advice. 

Steve Instance, RNLI Senior Lifeguard Manager for the South West says;

‘It’s that time again when the RNLI lifeguards make a welcome return to beaches around the south west coastline. The lifeguard teams were on patrol on a number of beaches over the Easter holidays and we look forward to keeping beachgoers safe over the summer season.

‘Whether you are local to Cornwall, or visiting on holiday, we’d urge beachgoers to head to an RNLI lifeguarded beach and to swim in the supervised area between the red and yellow flags.

‘If you are planning on getting in the water, it’s worth remembering that the sea temperature is still cold so it’s important people wear a suitable wetsuit. Try and stay within your depth and follow the lifeguard’s advice. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard, or if you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘It is also very important to check the tide times before setting out and always carry a means of calling for help in case you should get caught out.’

You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach by visiting RNLI.org