RNLI lifeguards will be returning to beaches around Cornwall over the Easter weekend.

Patrols will start on Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Tregonhawke, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Perranporth, Gwithian North, Hayle Towans, Porthmeor, Sennen from Good Friday [April 3] to Sunday, April 19.

Lifeguards are currently completing preseason preparations ahead of the busy Easter holiday period. Their training includes fitness testing, rescue board and jet ski drills, radio practice and refresher casualty care scenarios to ensure teams are ready for whatever the season brings.

The RNLI is celebrating 25 years of delivering a lifeguard service around the UK.

The RNLI’s lifeguard service was first piloted on 15 south west beaches in 2001 and has grown significantly over the past quarter of a century.

Today, more than 90 beaches in the south west, and 245 nationally, are patrolled every year.

Since the service began, RNLI lifeguards in the region have saved 1,098 lives, aided more than 167,500 people, responded to 185,954 incidents, and carried out more than 22-million preventative actions to stop accidents before they happen.

Peter Dawes, RNLI Lifeguard general manager, said: “Thanks to RNLI lifeguards, millions of people can enjoy the coast safely every year.

“Around 95 per cent of their work is focused on prevention: educating beachgoers, monitoring conditions and stepping in early before situations escalate. As we enter our 25th year of patrolling beaches, we’re incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by our lifeguards past and present.

“If you’re visiting the coast this Easter, please choose a lifeguarded beach.”

The RNLI is urging anyone heading to the coast to take simple steps to stay safe.

A spokesperson said: “Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

“Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

“For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.

“If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies.

“If you fall into the water unexpectedly, float to live. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.

“In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”