‘RNLI lifeguards need your help’

Appeal launched in South West after busy season for rescuers

BEACH lifeguards in the South West have had one of the busiest summers ever, with huge visitor numbers descending on the region, the RNLI said yesterday.

And as the season comes to a close the charity announced it had launched a new fundraising appeal with the aim of collecting cash to train more lifeguards to carry out their lifesaving work. Dave Nicoll, fundraising and partnership lead in the South West, said: “RNLI lifeguards have been working extremely hard throughout spring and summer to deliver a world-class lifeguard service across our region’s coast, allowing thousands of people to enjoy their time at the beach with friends and family.

“We are now looking to those people to help us raise the money needed to train our lifeguards in casualty care and lifesaving techniques. So if you were helped by one of our lifeguards this summer, or if you simply want to make a kind donation, please visit our JustGiving page.”

Lifeguard cover is being withdrawn at the weekend at 25 beaches across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset as the peak summer season draws to a close.

But the RNLI says the majority of beaches in the region will continue to operate a daily service between 10am-6pm for some weeks to come.

Joel Ninnes, who is part of the

regional Water Safety Team said: “We always stress the importance of going to a lifeguarded beach when planning a trip to the coast, especially if you are going in the water. This is because our lifeguards are there to inform you of any potential dangers and are always ready to respond in an emergency situation should you need their help. Remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards can see you.

“Now that we are moving away from summer, beaches across the region will begin to close as part of a planned withdrawal of the lifeguard service, so please check what beaches will have cover by regularly visiting the RNLI website.”

The beaches where lifeguard services end this weekend are Devon: Sandy Bay, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth North, Teignmouth South, Hope Cove, Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands (Monument) , Bigbury on Sea. In Cornwall services end at Northcott, Crackington Haven, Lusty Glaze, South Fistral, Perranuthnoe, Marazion, Carbis Bay, Porthkidney, Porthleven, Gunwalloe, Polurrian Cove, Freathy’ Tregantle (weekend only lifeguard service). In Somerset lifeguards leave their posts at Burnham-onSea and Berrow and in Dorset at Greenhill and Lyme Regis (Cobb).

The RNLI launched its beach lifeguard service 20 years ago in July and since 2001 has saved almost 1,500 lives and helped a further 270,000 people in trouble at the beach.

To donate to the South West RNLI Lifeguard appeal go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021