Staycation & Stay Seaside Safe – Here’s what you need to know if you are planning a trip to the seaside
Currently there are NO Lifeguards on the beaches and the RNLI have said that they ‘hope to provide lifeguard services on 30% of the beaches’ that the charity usually covers over the peak summer season.
The planned lockdown exit strategy could see droves of visitors heading to Cornwall and many of the UK popular seaside towns after July 4th when the travel restrictions are eased and UK hotels and restaurants are potentially opened again.
As a result of the international travel restrictions, staycations look set to be huge this year and with many preferring to stay local instead of travelling abroad. Cornwall’s vast sandy coastline and over 300 beaches will welcome visitors and Cornish residents are keen to warn tourists how to stay safe at the beach.
Newquay Activity Centre provides lifeguarding qualifications all year round as well as a variety of ocean activities. With no lifeguards patrolling the beaches, there are also no traditional safety signals which families normally rely on for beach and ocean safety. On arrival at the beach there will be no flags to signify the safe bathing area, no flags for the surfing zone and if it’s dangerous, there will be no red flag flying, advising beach users to stay out of the water. Sadly, with no lifeguards on patrol the increase in incidents are already apparent.
Mark Kelly is the Beach Lifeguard Trainer and Assessor at Newquay Activity Centre and says ‘The beaches are busy, and we’ve experienced a big swell recently that has already sadly caused fatalities and rescues. We urge surfers and swimmers to be aware, check the weather, tide and forecast.
For small children, there is also fun to be had in the rockpools and paddling in the shallows. We really hope that the RNLI are able to fully patrol the beaches soon, but we want people to understand how dangerous the sea can be and to stay safe at the beach.”
Newquay Activity Centre instructors are fully trained lifeguards and have traditionally supported the RNLI during busy times. Now they are front line responders and the most experienced water people on the beach and are increasing their observation on the beach and when they are on the water.
Until the lifeguards return to the beach, lifeguard trainer and assessor Mark Kelly advises beach goers to consider the steps in our handy infogram.
If you’d like to participate in a safe ocean activity this summer under the watchful eye of a trained lifeguard, or you would like to train as a lifeguard, please contact newquayactivitycentre.co.uk
