The RNLI has now confirmed which beaches in Cornwall will have lifeguard cover in the 2024 tourist season.

From Saturday (May 4) RNLI lifeguards will return just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday Monday which is anticipated to see large numbers of people heading to beaches across Cornwall.

Due to adverse weather conditions throughout the Easter holidays, lifeguards remained busy despite some beaches being ‘red-flagged’. There were 25 lifeguards on duty throughout the holidays and responded to multiple incidents – one of which took place in Perranporth.

RNLI lifeguards on duty dealt with an incident where two women got knocked off their feet by a tidal surge, which dragged them out cutting them off from the beach.

Falmouth Packet: Crantock Beach is one of the beaches which will have RNLI lifeguards patrol full time from Saturday, May 4Crantock Beach is one of the beaches which will have RNLI lifeguards patrol full time from Saturday, May 4 (Image: Martini Archive)

Members of the public supported the two women before the lifeguards brought them back to shore and did casualty care checks.

RNLI regional lifeguard lead for the South West Guy Botterill said: “Daily lifeguard patrols return on 25 beaches across the South West this Saturday.

“The bank holiday weekend is usually a busy period, and we want to make sure people have a good time in the water but remain safe whilst doing so.

“The RNLI encourages those going to the coast to head to a lifeguarded beach.

“If swimming or bodyboarding, stay between the red and yellow flags and if you need any local information or are unsure about anything, please ask an RNLI lifeguard.”

The following Cornwall beaches will be patrolled full-time from Saturday, May 4.

Crantock

Fistral

Towan

Watergate Bay

Mawgan Porth

Constantine

Harlyn

Polzeath

Praa Sands

Porthtowan

Perranporth

Gwithian

Hayle Towans

Porthmear

Sennen

33 patrols on additional beaches will begin on Saturday, May 18 these include:

Poldhu Cove

Kennack

Gyllyngvase

Tolcarne

Porth

Portreath

Chapel Porth

St Agnes

Perran Sands

Holywell Bay

Godrevy

Gwithian South

Upton Towans

Beach View

Porthminster

Gwenver

Porthcurno

Perranuthoe

Porthcothan

Booby’s Bay

Trevone

Trebarwith

Black Rock

Crooklets

Sandymouth

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:  

  •   Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.  
  •  Check the weather forecast, and tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.  
  •  Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – and don’t allow your family to swim alone.  
  •  If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.  
  •  In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.