RNLI increases beach patrol cover

Lifeguards will provide cover seven days a week throughout the summer

RNLI beach lifeguards are to patrol two new beaches in Devon this summer.

The charity will provide safety cover at Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren after the service was handed over by Teignbridge District Council.

Lifeguards will begin patrols on the popular family beaches from 25 May until September.

The RNLI protects 92 beaches in the South West. Woolacombe was the busiest beach in Devon last year with more than 600 people rescued.

Integrated service

"The new RNLI lifeguard service on Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren will work alongside the local RNLI lifeboat and volunteer crew at Teignmouth to help provide a joined-up lifesaving service from the beach to the open sea and improve what are already well facilitated beaches in a stunning area of Devon," RNLI spokesman Mike Grocott said.

During the Whitsun holidays two lifeguards will patrol each of the two beaches between 1000 and 1800 BST and on weekends until the peak summer season, when they will be patrolled seven days a week.

David Corney-Walker, from Teignbridge District Council, said the beach lifeguard cover would be a real benefit for visitors.

He said: "Providing an integrated rescue service from the beach to the open sea will be an added boost for our resorts, ensuring they offer the best possible level of beach lifeguarding."