Following a busy summer season, RNLI lifeguards are advising people visiting the coast this autumn to choose lifeguarded beaches and check seasonal patrol times. This advice comes after numerous rescue operations, including a significant incident involving a paddleboarder drifting a mile offshore in Cornwall.
On 11th August, lifeguards Adam Taylor and Evie Bruce at Holywell Bay responded to a distress call from Falmouth Coastguard concerning a paddleboarder stranded approximately one mile offshore. They launched the Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) and, with the assistance of the Newquay RNLI lifeboat, managed to rescue the exhausted individual and return them safely to shore.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Drustan Ward praised the teamwork involved and highlighted Evie's keen observation skills, which were crucial in locating the paddleboarder. He advised: "We'd encourage anyone visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach, swim and surf between the red and yellow flags where possible, and check the conditions before heading into the water."
As summer draws to a close, beachgoers should note that patrol times have changed. The Dorset lifeguard season ends on 27th September, while lifeguards will patrol selected beaches in Devon, Cornwall, and Jersey over weekends from 3rd to 18th October and during the October half-term holidays.
Cornwall's busiest beaches, such as Fistral and Porthmeor, will maintain full-time patrols until 1st November. Visitors are encouraged to check local beach patrol times before travelling and to choose lifeguarded beaches when possible.
RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead Henry Saddler-Irvine commended the lifeguards for their dedication during a hectic summer. He said, "Their efforts have made a real difference to the communities and visitors we serve, and they should be proud of the impact they've had this summer."
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RNLI Urges Autumn Beachgoers to Choose Lifeguarded Beaches