Lifeguards return to the beaches in time for the bank holiday

Friday, 03 May 2013

THE bank holiday weekend heralds the return of full time RNLI lifeguard cover to South Hams’ beaches.
RNLI lifeguards will be back on two of the South Hams’ busiest beaches from tomorrow, Bantham and Sedgewell Cove, providing beach safety patrols over the bank holiday weekend and throughout the rest of the summer.
Challaborough will gain lifeguard cover from May 18 with Hope Cove, Blackpool Sands, Slapton, Thurlestone and Burgh Island patrolled for the peak summer period, starting from July 6.
Steve Instance, RNLI lifeguard manager said: ‘Beachgoers are expected to make the most of the bank holiday weekend and beaches could be busy. Last year, there were nearly two million visitors to Devon’s 16 RNLI lifeguarded beaches between May and October, and the RNLI lifeguards dealt with 1,714 incidents, assisted 2,175 people. The statistics illustrate just how essential their presence is.
‘We would encourage people to go to a lifeguarded beach, where the lifeguards can provide appropriate safety advice and to swim between the red and yellow flags.
‘Checking tide times and local weather forecasts are essential and if you are intending to take part in any water sports, you should ensure you have the correct equipment, which is in a seaworthy condition. If you are learning, it’s important to get lessons in basics.’

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