RNLI lifeguards in North Devon promote beach safety

RNLI lifeguards in North Devon patrol 4 beaches in season at Woolacombe, Croyde, Sandymere and Westward Ho!

Woolacombe and Croyde have been patrolled since Good Friday while patrols starting on the remaining two on Saturday 18 May.

Despite indifferent weather conditions and surf the RNLI’s North Devon lifeguards have performed rescues and assisted with some major first aids in the early months of the season.

As the weather improves and more people head to the coast it is important to remember the RNLI’s beach safety advice: Go to a lifeguarded beach, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if in trouble in the water, don’t panic and Float to Live.

If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct will tell you to swim hard.

But cold-water shock could make you gasp uncontrollably and you could breathe in water and drown.

Instead, Float to Live. 

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.

Try to relax and breathe normally. 

You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to.

Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. 

Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

As the weather improves and more people head to the coast, it is important to heed the lifeguards’ advice.

During the peak summer months, the North Devon coastline can see more rip currents and big sand shifts which increase dangers.

RNLI lifeguards patrol beaches from 10am to 6pm every day and are always happy to answer questions if you have any concerns.

Alongside beach patrols, RNLI lifeguards host a ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme. 

The scheme sees lifeguards visit primary schools and teach children about how to stay safe when going to the coast.

This year, the programme reached 39 schools in the North Devon and Torridge districts, with lifeguards speaking to 4,617 children.

RNLI lifeguards in the area are led by Matthew Whitley who last year marked 20 years of service and was invited to Buckingham Palace to mark the occasion earlier this year.