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Beach safety
Penwith District Council provided lifeguard cover on the beaches of Penwith for at least 25 years. It was first started under the auspices of the Borough and Urban Councils, but became centralised when Penwith District Council was formed in 1974.
At this time, Penwith also took control of the various pieces of Static Lifesaving Equipment positioned around the coastline.
As of 2008 the RNLI now provide lifeguard cover on 14 of its most popular beaches. Penwith District Council still manages some 148 items of Static Rescue Equipment.
The beaches are generally covered from Whitsun until the second week in September. They are covered 7 days per week from 10am to 6pm. To achieve this cover some 44 lifeguards are employed during the season. The Static Equipment is checked fortnightly in the summer and monthly during winter. Static Equipment supplied on beaches covered by lifeguards is checked daily during the season.
To ensure that the best cover is provided, lifeguards must be qualified to either SLSA (Surf Lifesaving) or RLSS (Royal Lifesaving) Lifeguard Standard, must have a current First Aid Certificate and must pass as 'in-house' test comprising of a timed swim (400m in 7 minutes), a resuscitation test, a first aid incident and a written exam. They must also undergo a rescue test on the beach. This is all undertaken on the day before they start work for the Council and they must pass all parts before they are considered suitable to start work.
The objectives of the service are:
- To provide as safe an environment as possible for the beach users.
- To promote beach and water safety.
- To advise members of the public on a range of topics.
- To provide an effective First Aid facility.
- To undertake rescues of casualties in distress or co-ordinate the rescue with other emergency services.
Performance Appraisal of Lifeguards is an on-going affair during the season. They must attend one swim training session per week and must undertake a 'beach test' fortnightly. They are tested monthly throughout the season on CPR and resuscitation skills.
Red and yellow flags mark areas of water that are patrolled by lifeguards. These are the safest places to swim.
When you see black and white chequered flags, it means an area of water has been marked for use by craft. For your own safety, do not swim in these zones.
The red flag indicates danger. Never enter the water when the red flag is flying.
An orange windsock flying at the beach indicates that wind conditions are especially dangerous – so under no circumstances should you take an inflatable into the sea.