Lifeguards to patrol 22 beaches in half term

The RNLI warned beach-goers about autumn swells and spring tides this half term

Lifeguards will patrol 22 beaches across the South West and Jersey in the October half term.

The RNLI said its lifeguards will be keeping watch from 10:00 to 17:00 BST from Saturday 26 October until the season ends on Sunday 3 November.

Lifeguards will patrol 18 beaches in Cornwall, three in Devon and one in Jersey throughout the half term, the RNLI said.

The charity advised beach-goers to choose a lifeguarded beach and reminded the public that if there are no flags on a beach, it means there are no lifeguards.

Challenging conditions

The RNLI lifeguard lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said: "‘We’d also like to remind people that conditions are a lot more challenging at this time of year with bigger swells due to autumn storms.

"We will also see spring tides towards the end of the half term week, which means faster moving currents and an increased risk of tidal cut offs."

He advised anyone in trouble in the water to "float to live: Lie flat on your back with your arms outstretched, ears submerged and allow your body to adapt to the water".

He reminded the public to call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard if they saw someone in trouble.

The beaches in Cornwall that will covered by RNLI lifeguards are:

• Constantine Bay

• Crantock

• Fistral

• Gwithian North

• Harlyn

• Hayle

• Mawgan Porth

• Perranporth

• Polzeath

• Porthmeor

• Porthtowan

• Praa Sands

• Sennen

• Summerleaze

• Towan

• Tregonhawke

• Watergate Bay

• Widemouth

The beaches in Devon that will covered by RNLI lifeguards are:

• Bantham

• Croyde

• Woolacombe

Lifeguards will also patrol Le Braye in Jersey during the October half term.