Exmouth beach - along with several others across Devon - saw its RNLI lifeguard service end for the year on Sunday, September 26.
During the peak summer season, RNLI lifeguards operate on over 90 beaches across the South West region. The lifeguard service is put in place to reflect the large volume of people visiting the beach, giving the public a wide range of choice to always choose a lifeguarded beach.
As we move away from summer the charity uses a staggered approach to withdraw the lifeguard service based on a variety of factors including visitor numbers, previous incident statistics and local hazards.
Although many beaches finished operations at the end of the weekend, the charity’s lifeguard service will continue to run daily between 10am and 6pm on six of the busiest beaches in the region, as well as providing weekend cover on 13 other beaches.
Oliver Shilston, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “‘Throughout summer we always stress the importance of going to a lifeguarded beach and although summer is over, we would still urge anyone planning on entering the water to always choose a lifeguarded beach.
“This time of year the water is at its warmest and we tend to see an increase in swell, meaning bigger and more consistent waves. But that can increase the frequency and power of rip currents, which are one of the biggest dangers in the sea.
“If you choose a lifeguarded beach the lifeguards are always ready to respond in an emergency situation, should you need their help. If you ever see anyone in trouble in the water, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Mr Shilston added: “There are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your friends and family safe. Check the weather conditions and tide times before you leave, always read beach safety signage at the entrance to the beach and take time to understand the information and any local hazards. Never enter the water alone and keep an eye on each other. If you can, always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
“A number of beaches in the South West are running a lifeguard service until the end of October and you can find your nearest lifeguarded beach and all the information including season dates by visiting the RNLI website.”
To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
To find out more information about rip currents and what to do if you find yourself caught in one visit: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/rip-currents
The charity has recently launched the RNLI South West Lifeguard Appeal with the aim of raising the funds needed to train the lifeguards to carry out their vital work. If you were helped by a RNLI lifeguard this summer, or if you simply want to make a donation, the RNLI invites you to visit its JustGiving page.
They say that without the generosity of your donations, they wouldn’t be able to stand on the beach keeping people safe.
To make a donation to the RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021
The following six beaches in Devon and Cornwall will continue a full-time daily lifeguard service between 10am and 6pm until Sunday, October 31: Woolacombe, Croyde, Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen.
The following 13 beaches in Cornwall and Devon will operate a weekend-only and daily October half-term (23 – 31 October) service: Widemouth, Summerleaze, Harlyn, Constanine, Praa Sands, Polzeath, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Gwithian North, Tregonhawke and Bantham (Devon)
The two beaches in West Dorset that will conclude their lifeguard service from Sunday (26 September) are: Weymouth and West Bay.
The five beaches in Devon that concluded their lifeguard service from Sunday (26 September) were Westward Ho!, Sandymere, Exmouth, Sedgewell Cove (Bigbury-on-Sea) and Challaborough.