Most beaches ending lifeguard cover for the season

Lifeguard cover is coming to an end for the season on many beaches

Dozens of beaches will be ending their seasonal lifeguard cover after this weekend.

Lifeguards on 37 beaches in Devon, Cornwall and Jersey will hold their final patrols of 2025 on Sunday evening.

There will be 23 beaches where lifeguard cover will continue at weekends throughout October and then daily during half term.

People planning on going in the sea are advised by the RNLI to visit the lifeguarded beaches.

Henry Saddler-Irvine, RNLI regional lifeguard lead for the South West, said: "We have had another busy summer on our beaches in the South West, and our lifeguards have once again done a fantastic job at keeping people safe.

"As the majority of patrols come to an end after this weekend, we would like to urge anyone visiting the coast to choose one of the 23 beaches where lifeguards are still on duty.

"As we head into autumn, we're asking people to be especially cautious. Check local tide times and forecasts, and be aware of the risk of cold water shock as temperatures dip."

Beaches ending patrols from Sunday 28 September:

Devon: Exmouth, Sedgewell Cove, Challabarough, Westward Ho!, Sandymere.

Cornwall: Seaton, Sharrow, Tregantle, Poldhu Cove, Kennack, Gyllyngvase, Perranuthnoe, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Portreath, St Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithian South, Upton Towans, Beach View, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Porthcothan, Treyarnon, Booby's, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets, Sandymouth.

Jersey: El Tico, Watersplash, St Brelades Bay.

The following beaches will be patrolled on weekends during October, with daily patrols in half term, from Saturday 25 October until Sunday 2 November:

Devon: Bantham, Croyde, Woolacombe.

Cornwall: Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Perranporth, Gwithian North, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor, Sennen, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Summerleaze.

Jersey: Le Braye.

Patrols at Polzeath continue through to the October half-term

RNLI lifeguards will continue weekend patrols at Polzeath, Constantine, and Harlyn beaches through to the October half-term.

Lifeguard supervisor Leon Bennett said cooler weather and rougher sea conditions typically brought more activity, with both holidaymakers and a growing number of locals taking to the water.

"Cold water swimming and dipping have really taken off," Mr Bennett said.

"We're seeing more people enjoying the outdoors than ever before, which is great, but it comes with risks."

Mr Bennett advised swimmers to wear wetsuits, check safety signage, and always visit lifeguarded beaches.

"Let someone know where you're going, and don't hesitate to speak to lifeguards," he sad.