Since the start of the lifeguard season on North Devon's beaches, RNLI lifeguards have dealt with more than 230 incidents across four beaches, including first aid incidents, sea rescues, people assistance, and lost children searches. Westward Ho!, Sandy
Since the start of the lifeguard season on North Devon's beaches, RNLI lifeguards have dealt with more than 230 incidents across four beaches, including first aid incidents, sea rescues, people assistance, and lost children searches. Westward Ho!, Sandymere and Woolacombe have all experienced a variety of incidents since patrols started in May, many of which have involved kitesurfers, bodyboarders and swimmers. At Woolacombe the RNLI lifeguards have also been involved in an extended search at Putsborough for a lost child and treated a member of the public for major first aid following a violent assault by another member of the public. Croyde beach has by far been the busiest, where lifeguards have performed 56 sea rescues and 46 people assistances; including surfers, kayakers, swimmers and bodyboarders. They have also dealt with a variety of first aid incidents and recently a suspected spinal injury where the casualty was airlifted to hospital. The RNLI lifeguards are there to ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable visit to North Devon's beaches and they ask that people using the sea follow their instructions and the flag system. Red and yellow flags show the lifeguarded area, which is the safest place to swim and bodyboard. A red flag indicates that it is not safe to enter the sea. Don't forget your Sun Safety to prevent sunburn, heat exhaustion or heat stroke:SLIP on a shirt SLOP on a hat SLAP on appropriate sunscreen Also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Make sure you have a great safe summer this year by choosing to visit RNLI lifeguarded beaches in North Devon. Croyde, Woolacombe, Sandymere and Westward are patrolled seven days a week from 10am - 6pm until September 30.