THE RNLI is reminding people to take care at the coast as the summer lifeguard season comes to a close.

Lifeguard patrols will finish on October 1 at Tregonhawke, Sharrow and Tregantle in Whitsand Bay and at Seaton, as well as the majority of other beaches throughout Cornwall.

A few popular beaches such as Watergate Bay, Fistral and Polzeath on the north coast and Praa Sands on the south will keep lifeguard patrols until October 29, covering the school half term holiday.

Area lifesaving manager Tom Mansell said: ‘We would always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach where possible. Quite a few of the beaches in Cornwall will be patrolled by lifeguards until the last weekend in October. If there are no red and yellow flags flying on the beach this means there is no lifeguard service operating.’

If you’re walking at the coast, check the tide times before setting out - and carry a means of communication to call for help if needed, says the RNLI.

You can find out more about how to stay safe in and around the water by visiting RNLI.org/RespectTheWater.