TWO of South East Cornwall’s beaches will have lifeguard cover from this weekend.

Tregonhawke and Sharrow Beach, both in Whitsand Bay, are among a further 12 places to be patrolled, bringing the total number of lifeguarded beaches in Devon and Cornwall to 29.

Since lockdown restrictions were eased last month, the RNLI says it has worked hard to get patrols started.

Now the initial beaches are operational and new ways of working and equipment have been properly put to the test, the charity is accelerating its service roll-out and increasing the number of beaches which will have a lifeguard service. The charity is hoping to have lifeguards on around 170 beaches in the UK by early July - 70 percent of the beaches it would patrol in a normal summer. This is an improvement on its original prediction of lifeguards on just 70 beaches.

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, said: ‘We are now confident we can provide a more comprehensive lifeguard service this summer safely, despite the continuing challenges created by the pandemic.

’The first few weeks having lifeguards back on beaches has helped us properly test the new ways of operating and equipment and reassured everyone that we can accelerate and expand our plans.

’We have a better idea of the journey out of lockdown for all parts of the UK, understand the new regulations with which we must comply as an employer and service provider and, most importantly, we feel we can properly manage the risks associated with Coronavirus. So, we are revising our plans and adding to the number of beaches we can lifeguard this summer.’

’With schools closed and restrictions on foreign travel, we know that lots of people will be heading to UK beaches – this could be the busiest summer ever for both our lifeguards and our lifeboat crews,’ he continued.

’ I’m very grateful to all those lifeguards who have already started their patrols or are now preparing to get back on the beach.’

The RNLI said it is seeking to align its provision with the proposed lifting of restrictions on the tourism and hospitality industry in early July.

New measures to deal with the Coronavirus mean the lifeguard service will look a little different this year, said the charity.

Lifeguards will wear PPE like ambulance crews in some situations, and new protocols for all first responders mean the lifeguards may not deal with some minor first aid cases but will support people to treat themselves.

Lifeguards will also try to keep socially distant from beach goers, and may need to adopt different patrol methods at times, such as not using the red and yellow flags and asking people to keep apart but close to shore, to help keep people safe while maintaining social distancing.