Lifeguard cover on 24 of Cornwall’s beaches has been extended to November 1
The RNLI has extended lifeguard cover on 24 of Cornwall’s beaches beyond this month’s half term.
The family-friendly agreement will see16 beaches will have daily cover, and eight at weekends and every day during the half term holiday.
Staycations have bloomed during the autumn, with lifeguards in West Cornwall having reported a 100% increase in beach use, and an amazing 200 per cent increase in numbers of people entering the water (see notes below).
“This has been an entirely unpredictable and unfamiliar year, and we are so pleased to have been able to arrange this extra cover with the RNLI,” says Rob Nolan from Cornwall Council. “Whatever the weather, Cornwall’s beaches have remained popular, and we all feel much safer with these good people keeping an eye on us, and with their colleagues in the Lifeboats only a 999 phone call away.
“As we enter October, I would urge those intending to swim, surf or sail to head for the 24 beaches where lifeguards will be watching. Remember, no flags means no lifeguard! Those who venture further should at least aim to be accompanied, and get information on tides and sea conditions. Know your own limits and do not take risks in our Autumn seas. If you are intending to walk the cliffs or coast path, take a friend, and carry a mobile phone.”
RNLI lifeguards covering 10 beaches in West Cornwall recorded 78,000 beach users in the first week of September 2020, and 18,000 people using the water in the first week of September 2020.
Full time cover will continue until 1 November on the following beaches: Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Gwithian, Porthmeor, Sennen, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth and Summerleaze.
The following beaches will continue to have weekend cover plus every day of October half term holiday (Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November): Poldhu, Porthcurno, Treyarnon, Sandymouth, Hayle Towans, Chapel Porth, Holywell Bay and Crantoc.k
Lifeguarding hours will be from 10am until 6pm until 25 October after which service will be affected by failing light.
Discover more of Cornwall’s best beaches here.
