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22 Oct 2025

Avoid danger on North Devon’s beaches

Stay safe with these essential guidelines for a worry-free day at the beach

RNLI lifeguards in North Devon are now into their busiest part of the year and during the school summer holidays daily patrols are running from 10am-6pm on Woolacombe, Croyde, Sandymere and Westward Ho!. 

The good weather and school holidays have meant beaches in North Devon have been well attended over past few weeks, which has also increased lifeguard activity.

RNLI lifeguards have dealt with a lot of minor first aids and weaver fish stings but have also been called into action for some more serious incidents.

Lifeguards have dealt with a couple of incidents involving SUPS (Stand-up paddleboarding) at Woolacombe.

Strong offshore winds dragged the paddleboarders far out off the coast and into difficulty and the RNLI is reminding people of the safety advice surrounding SUP’s.

The four main points are:

  1. Wear a buoyancy aid -this will allow you to stay afloat in the water but also will give you time to recover should you fall in.
  2. Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch- if you do get into trouble you need to have a means of communication and if you are call 999 and ask for the coastguard or the fire service if you are inland.
  3. Wear the correct leash- there’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your board if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.

Choosing the correct leash is really important – most boards come with an ankle leash however these may not be suitable for the environment you are planning to paddle in. 

If you are paddling in tidal or flowing waters such as rivers where there is a risk of entrapment or being caught on an object then wear a quick release waist leash.

  1. Avoid offshore winds- Offshore winds are winds that are blowing from the beach or shore out to sea. Often with offshore winds the water looks idyllic and calm however this can be deceptive as offshore winds will quickly blow you and your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. If you are on a lifeguarded beach, keep an eye out for the orange windsock to see which way the wind is blowing.

Other notable incidents have come at Croyde where lifeguards performed multiple rescues at low tide on Friday 9 August.

Lifeguards were in the water either side of the designated bathing area and as the tide was turning conditions worsened which meant lifeguards closed the beach for a period of time to make sure everyone was safe.

With the August Bank Holiday weekend approaching, the conditions are likely to see to the biggest tides of the year and therefore the RNLI would like to remind people that if you are heading to the coast to go to a lifeguarded beach, swim and bodyboard between the red and yellow flags and if you are in trouble remember to float to live.

Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon, Matt Whitley said:

“The August Bank holiday is likely to see the biggest tidal surges of the season, therefore it is vital people take the necessary precautions, follow RNLI advice by going to a lifeguard beach between the hours of 10am-6pm and swimming and bodyboarding between the red and yellow flags where are lifeguards are constantly monitoring.”

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