Incidents up as lifeguarding ends on some beaches

Patrols will conclude on beaches in Burnham-on-Sea and Brean on 7 September

There were more incidents on South West beaches over the summer as lifeguards finish patrols in some areas for the season.

Lifeguard provisions will end on 24 of 90 beaches including at Brean and Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset. They will no longer have flags displayed or lifeguard patrols until the return of the peak season next year.

Brett Scofield, Lifeguard Supervisor for Somerset, said there were more incidents in the water compared to 2023 which was "quite rainy over the peak season".

When asked about incidents during the 2025 peak season, he said there has been "a lot more water-based or mud-based things because the weather's nicer".

Mr Scofield added that: "conditions can be quite treacherous" which he attributed to the Somerset coast being "fairly unique".

He encouraged anyone considering visiting the beach to check the weather and sea conditions ahead of their visit.

He also emphasised that: "If you do spot somebody in danger when you go to the beach this autumn make sure you call 999 for the coast guard."

RNLI regional lifeguard Lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said: "I'd like to thank our lifeguards for their hard work over the entire season keeping people safe whilst they enjoy the coast.

"From minor first aids to major incidents, the charities' lifeguards have dealt with all kinds of scenarios under pressure and have done a remarkable job."

He added: "We saw our teams respond with competence and professionalism to the challenges presented by Storm Erin, and successfully kept beachgoers safe from the dangerous swell that hit the coast."