Lifeguards Return to Devon Beaches

RNLI lifeguards will make a welcome return to beaches in Devon from Friday [22 April] as the charity's lifesavers start their safety patrols in time for the Easter weekend.

Bantham beach in South Hams will have RNLI lifeguard cover for the Easter weekend [April 22 to April 25) and patrols will return to both Bantham and Sedgewell Cove on April 29 for the summer season.

While RNLI lifeguard patrols will start on Woolacombe and Croyde in North Devon for the Easter weekend on 22 April and run throughout the summer.

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With Easter falling later than usual this year, closely followed by the Royal Wedding and May Day bank holidays, the charity’s lifeguards are preparing themselves for a busy couple of weeks. Over the Easter and May Day weekends last year, the charity's lifeguards responded to 102 incidents and helped 120 people on some of the UK's busiest beaches.

RNLI lifeguards patrol a total of 16 beaches in Devon during the peak summer season. The season dates are staggered to take into account the number of beach users.

Phil Hill, Divisional Lifeguard Manager for Devon, said: 'For those planning a trip to the beach, the RNLI's advice is to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.'

These top tips can be followed by everyone planning a trip to the beach and include;

• Swim at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags
• Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas
• Check tide times before you go
• If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help
• If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety or www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety