The RNLI is urging people to put their safety first when visiting the coast this Easter, as figures released today show that volunteer lifeboat crews in the South West launched 1,614 times in 2016, rescuing 1,624 people and saving 52 lives.

RNLI lifeguards across the region dealt with 11,173 incidents, aided 13,647 people and saved 56 lives.

The lifeboat statistics as a region are up on previous years and show a 35% increase in launches to people in the water, compared to 2015.

The charity is now urging people to take more care at the coast and respect the water, especially with the Easter holidays approaching. 

Steve Instance, RNLI community safety partner, said: ‘RNLI life-savers across the region spent 10,967 hours on service at sea last year, equating to an incredible 456 days. Their selflessness and dedication is truly awe-inspiring and we are extremely grateful for their continued support.

‘The RNLI will always answer the call for help but we’re not just here to rescue those in difficulty, a huge part of our work is about encouraging people not to get into trouble in the first place.

’We’re doing lots of work in communities to introduce local initiatives to tackle specific risk activities, as well as continuing to run extensive education and safety programmes.

’But there’s still a lot to do to improve safety and that’s why we’re urging more people to pay attention to our advice and give the water the healthy respect it deserves.

‘To find out how you can stay safe while enjoying your water activity, visit rnli.org/safety’

RNLI lifeguards will be returning to a number of beaches in Devon and Cornwall from Saturday for patrols over the Easter holidays.

The following beaches will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from April 1 to 17, and the weekend of April 22 and 23: Praa Sands, Sennen, Porthmeor, Gwithian, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Watergate Bay, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze in Cornwall and Woolacombe, and Bantham in Devon. 

Additionally, over the four day Easter weekend, Friday 14 April to Monday 17 April, RNLI lifeguards will be on duty on Hayle Towans, Towan and Constantine in Cornwall.

Croyde in Devon and Fistral in Cornwall will have full time lifeguard from Saturday 1 April until the end of the season.