The scorching temperatures yesterday saw gridlock on the roads in the South Hams as tourists sought sunshine on the coast.

RNLI lifeguards were incredibly busy at Bantham beach on Wednesday, June 24, using rescue boards and the IRB to perform seven rescues and many more assists. All of these rescues were to swimmers and bodyboarders who got into difficulty in the rip current, and most of these took place around low tide. The lifeguards worked to prevent situations developing throughout the day and stayed on after hours until 7pm to carry out three of the rescues.

On top of responding to incidents in the water, lifeguards were also busy providing first aid treatment, including weaver fish stings.

Rob Stately, lead lifeguard supervisor for south Devon, said: ’The beaches continued to be very busy into the evening as it is staying light until 10pm now. Lifeguard patrols are between 10am-6pm so please be careful if you are using the water outside of these hours. Know your limits and know what to do if you are caught in a rip current or get into difficulty. Keep hold of your board or floatation device and paddle parallel to the shore.’

Anyone planning a visit to the coast should remember and follow RNLI safety advice:

Have a plan – check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage

Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water

Do not allow your family to swim or surf alone

Do not use inflatables

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

Beach users are also encouraged to look for signage that warns of local hazards, and RNLI lifeguards have been using a rake to spell out specific messages in the sand. A technique that was developed by designer David Revell as part of the RNLI’s Design out Drowning initiative in 2019 and which is now being employed to warn beach users across the country.