RNLI issue warning ahead of strong winds and conditions
Lifeguard crews are urging swimmers to take safety advice
Last updated 21st Oct 2022
The RNLI is urging people in Devon to follow safety advice ahead of large surf and strong winds on the weekend.
The county's beaches are predicted to experience tricky conditions this weekend and throughout next week.
Lifeguards across the region have experienced a busy October so far with large surf conditions, mild temperatures and strong southerly winds.
Those heading to the coast are being urged to visit a lifeguarded beach.
Senior RNLI lifeguard at Fistral, Arron Evans, talked about a recent incident in Cornwall. He said: "The surf conditions started to increase throughout Saturday and by Sunday the swell was huge.
"We had the rescue water craft (RWC) in the water patrolling for most of the day and we were all on high alert and in constant radio communication with each other".
Arron was carrying out patrols across Fistral beach when lifeguards at the beach lifeguard unit (BLU) spotted a surfer getting into difficulty at the northern end of Fistral where he was being swept onto the rocks and unable to paddle to safety.
The surfer then let go of the sled once he was in calmer water and paddled towards the shore, giving Arron the thumbs up that he was ok.
Similar conditions were experienced on the north coast last weekend (Sunday 16 October) at Fistral beach in Newquay, where RNLI lifeguards dealt with multiple rescues involving surfers and swimmers.
Arron added: "This incident demonstrates the importance of always choosing to visit a lifeguarded beach, especially with such big swells forecast and the increased risk of rip currents.
"Rip currents are extremely dangerous and can catch anybody off-guard, so it is important to speak to the lifeguards before entering the water and know your limits if the sea conditions look challenging, like they were at the weekend.
"If you find yourself caught in a rip current don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim, but if you are out of your depth then try to swim or paddle parallel to the shore until you’re free of the rip and then head for shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help."
Many beaches across the South West have finished their lifeguarding service for 2022 but in Devon and Cornwall some beaches will continue to have lifeguards on duty daily from 10am – 6pm from Saturday 22 October until Sunday 30 October during the half term holidays.
Steve Instance, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the south west said: "The forecast is anticipating a solid southerly swell to hit the coast from Friday (21 October) and into the half-term week, coupled with strong south westerly winds meaning beaches along the south coast, where large surf conditions aren’t as frequent, are likely to experience challenging conditions.
"We are anticipating a very busy half-term for the lifeguards and are urging anyone heading to the coast and planning to use the water, to always choose a lifeguarded beach. Please always swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and surf between the black and white flags as this is the safest place which is actively patrolled by the lifeguards who can spot you and come to your aid if needed.
"The large surf conditions and strong southerly winds forecast next week means people should take extra care when planning their trip to the beach. Never enter the water alone and don’t push beyond your limits as that’s when you can get into danger.
"If you have any questions about the conditions speak to the lifeguards, who are always happy to help and can offer important safety advice. If you see anyone in trouble in the water, alert the lifeguards or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."