RNLI lifeguards have been busy training as they prepare to return to a number of beaches in Cornwall from Friday (March 25) as patrols begin for the Easter holidays.

Safety cover will be provided on 14 beaches in Cornwall and Devon over the two-week break (March 25 to April 10), with a further four beaches patrolled over the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend.

Beaches patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from Good Friday to Sunday, April 10 and every weekend in April until the main season starts on Saturday, April 30 are Praa Sands, Sennen, Porthmeor, Gwithian, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze.

Over the Easter weekend, RNLI lifeguards will also be patrolling Hayle Towans, Towan, Watergate Bay and Constantine in Cornwall.

Fistral beach in Newquay has full time lifeguard cover from March 25 through to the end of October with voluntary weekend patrols in November.

St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club is providing volunteer lifeguard cover at St Agnes over the Easter holidays, with the support of the RNLI. Club members have received additional training and support from RNLI lifeguards and will patrol the beach between 10am-5pm from March 25 to April 3.

The RNLI says winter storms have again altered sand levels around the coast, causing a change in conditions on some beaches. The charity is urging anyone visiting the coast to take extra care and visit a lifeguarded beach.

They advise: always swim between the red and yellow flags. 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 call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI lifeguards will be visiting schools across the south west throughout April as part of the ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme which educates children on how to stay safe at the beach.