As the summer begins to draw to a close and schools start to return, this Sunday (7 September) marks the end of RNLI lifeguards' peak season in the south west.
24 of the 90 RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the region will conclude beach safety patrols until next year and water users are encouraged to head to one of the 66 beaches with lifeguard cover.
It has been an exceptionally busy peak season for the RNLI lifeguard teams in the south west, who have been working diligently to keep beachgoers safe throughout the summer. 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.
As peak season comes to an end, we will see the conclusion of patrols on Sunday 7 September on several beaches throughout the region:
Devon:
Sandy Bay, Budleigh Salterton, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Hope Cove, Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Bigbury on Sea.
RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead for the South West, Henry Saddler-Irvine said:
‘This Sunday marks the end of our peak lifeguard season for 2025. I’d like to thank our lifeguards for their hard work over the entire season keeping people safe whilst they enjoy the coast. Our teams have shown immense dedication and skill in responding to numerous incidents and giving critical care to people who have found themselves in difficulty.
Towards the end of peak season, 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. It is also testament to our supervisors and trainers who work incredibly hard to make sure our lifeguards are best prepared for the season- no matter how unpredictable the conditions.
‘In addition, I’d like to thank all the local authorities and private beach owners for whom we provide a world-class lifesaving service every year.’
If you’re heading to the coast to catch the last of the summer sun this September, the RNLI advises you to choose one of our lifeguarded beaches:
Exmouth will have a lifeguards present until 28th September
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