RNLI lifeguards across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset were busy over the Easter bank holiday weekend, as the sunny weather and surf conditions attracted crowds to the south west’s beaches.

Surfers, bodyboarders, kayakers and families all headed to the coast as the weather turned out better than expected. With big spring tides, and 3-4 foot surf, the RNLI lifeguards were under pressure to keep people in the flagged zones, away from hazards and aware of the fast tides in order to prevent incidents happening. The handful of rescues and assists over the weekend were mostly to novice surfers caught out by the strong currents. They also dealt with a couple of major and minor first aids; again these were mainly surf related injuries.

RNLI Divisional Lifeguard Inspector Steve Instance says:

‘Although the beaches were extremely busy with families and surfers, thanks to the beach safety advise and proactive prevention work by the RNLI lifeguards, they were not required to do many rescues. In fact the reports we’ve had are that there were more incidents on many of the none-lifeguarded beaches, with off duty lifeguards, surfers and even some members of the public assisting people in trouble, this illustrates the importance of going to a lifeguarded beach to swim or surf, where possible.

Overall the lifeguards did a great job, and were pleased to be back in action after a long winter. RNLI lifeguards will continue to provide safety cover on Praa Sands and Perranporth beaches in Cornwall until the 19 April, and again on the weekend of 25 and 26 April. Boscombe beach in Dorset will be patrolled for the rest of the year.’

Notes to editors

· Please find attached two pictures, one of two RNLI lifeguard’s on Perranporth beach over the Easter weekend and a one of an RNLI lifeguard surveying a busy beach

· The RNLI lifeguards operate in three main seasons, which vary between beaches. Full season runs from 1 May to 30 September, Main season from 16 May to 20/30 September and Peak season from 4 July to 6 September.

· In 2008, RNLI lifeguards in the south west, responded to 8,423 incidents on the beach, aiding 9,801 people and saving 39 lives.

· The RNLI is a registered charity, which aims to save lives at sea. It relies on voluntary contributions and legacies to ensure its lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews have the very best training and equipment.