Water Safety Tips From The RNLI

We’re well and truly into the summer swing here at Trevornick Holiday Park, and we simply love welcoming visitors from far and wide to enjoy their Cornish coastal holiday with us! We’re blessed to be situated in such a magnificent setting, where breathtaking natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and a touch of adventure combine to create the ultimate holiday destination from which a myriad of sea and sand based activities can be enjoyed.

There’s no denying we’re surrounded by water here (that’s part of the whole holiday experience!), with our own on-site pool, splash zone and Jacuzzi, plus our idyllic position from which to explore the Cornish coastline. From balmy sun-drenched days building sandcastles and paddling in the waves at Holywell Bay, to cold water swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking and everything in between, we all love being at the beach and making the most of those seaside days. However, to safely and thoroughly enjoy a holiday by the sea, it’s vitally important to stay vigilant and understand water safety during your visit. We’ve spoken with the lovely bunch at the RNLI to gain some valuable insights on how to have a great time this summer, whilst staying safe during your seaside escapades. Here are some tips –

1. If you spot a lifeguard at the beach, that’s the beach for you!

The most important step you can take for safety is to opt for a lifeguarded beach whenever you possibly can, they are highly trained lifesaving individuals and their purpose is to protect you and your family! Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards came to the aid of a whopping 23,200 people on the beach. Here in Cornwall, we typically have lifeguards on duty from May to September, however this varies from beach to beach, so make sure you check before you pack your trunks and head off. A quick search to locate nearby beaches with lifeguards on duty can be done via RNLI.org. Holywell Bay is lifeguarded daily 10am – 6pm between 13 May – 24 September 2023.

2. Call in the big guns

When you go to the beach, always carry a means of calling for help. If you’re heading into the water, ensure you take a waterproof pouch – these are widely available and can be purchased quite easily online or in shops. This means if you find yourself, or spot someone else, in an emergency situation you have a way to call for help. In a coastal emergency, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

3. Float like your life depends on it

If you find yourself struggling in the water, or if you fall in unexpectedly, remember, float to live. It’s easy to panic and your instinct might tell you to swim hard but you must relax, try to breathe normally, tilt your head back, submerge your ears and use your hands to help you stay afloat. Once you have calmed a little and your breath is under control, only then should you attempt to call for help or swim to safety. Before you visit the Cornish coast, it’s crucial that children know how to float too. The RNLI offer free ‘swim safe’ sessions to help them learn important skills to keep themselves safe at the beach and in the sea.

4. Rip currents and other nasties

When you’re at the beach, it’s fundamental that you’re aware of water-based risks and what you can do to minimise them. From rip currents to tides, cold water shock to big swells, being aware of the dangers will help you to stay safe. If you’re taking to the water, make sure you’re buoyant (ideally always have a floatation device strapped to you), always take a phone to call for help, and ensure you have shore cover (AKA, always tell someone on land your plans and when you hope to be back).

5. Always avoid a red flag…

There will always be flags on lifeguarded beaches to show you where it’s safe, and not so safe, to swim. If you’re planning to swim or bodyboard, stay between the red and yellow flags. For surfboards and stand-up paddleboards stick to between the black and white chequered flag (no swimming here). If a red flag is flying, the water is dangerous – do not enter under any circumstances…

We hope you’ll never need them, but the RNLI are a vital, lifesaving charity service that will always put your safety first and we’re unendingly grateful for their generous and compassionate efforts to help everyone experience the joy of the ocean. By prioritising water safety, you’re well equipped to fully embrace the magic of the coast.

If you’re planning on joining us this summer, or perhaps in the future, we look forward to seeing you soon. Wishing you sun-soaked days, tranquil nights, and unforgettable moments by the sea!

Your generosity powers lifesaving, donations always happily received at: https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money