Lifeguards will stop patrolling some South West beaches from today
Patrols on some RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the South West will come to an end today.
Last updated 6th Sep 2020
People are being urged by the charity to take extra care and be responsible when visiting beaches in the region.
Lifeguards will remain on more than 50 beaches this month though, which is more than in previous years.
South West beaches closing on Sunday 6 September:
· Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset)
· Lyme Regis (Dorset)
· Exmouth (Devon)
· West Bay (Dorset)
· Dawlish Warren (Devon)
· Teignmouth North (Devon)
· Blackpool Sands (Devon)
· Millrock - part of Woolacombe beach (Devon)
· Exmouth (Devon)
Tom Mansell, Regional Lifesaving Lead, said: "It has been an extremely busy summer for RNLI lifeguards with huge numbers of people visiting beaches in the South West. Our lifeguards have worked really hard and have done a fantastic job of keeping people safe at the beach whilst working during a pandemic. They deserve great credit for the commitment and dedication they have shown.
"We know many people are still on furlough and not holidaying abroad, so it’s likely more people than usual will be visiting the coast in September and October.
"If you’re visiting the beach, please head to a lifeguarded one if possible, take note of the safety signage at the entrance, go with a friend or tell someone on the shore where you’re going, and always be aware of the conditions and your own capabilities in the water."
A Sedgemoor District Council spokesman said “We want people to enjoy the beach safely. Although the RNLI lifeguards have departed for the winter, we still have staff on hand to make sure that beach users to take care. We want you to enjoy the beach, but we also want you to recognise the dangers and never underestimate the power of the sea, especially during the stormy season.
Sedgemoor’s beach wardens have been on duty since early summer and will be on duty until the end of September at Burnham on Sea and Berrow beaches. All beach wardens have first aid training and beach/jetty safety training.