14/07/2008 04:00:00
As the peak season of summer hits, many will be taking to the beaches to enjoy some surf, sand and sun. But for many beachgoers - particularly families with young children - a trip to the beach entails concern for safety due to the unpredictability of factors such as tides, currents and winds.
Two prime UK beach destinations - Devon and Cornwall - have addressed such concerns with an increase in their number of beaches with lifeguards. The Royal National Lifeboat Institute now operates safety patrols on 57 beaches in Cornwall and 13 in Devon.
Last year, lifeguards in the Cornwall and Devon regions saved more than 60 lives and came to the aid of over 9,500 people. The RNLI says families should make beach safety a priority and they plan to instill safety even further with the extra lifeguard support.
A recent survey carried out on behalf of the RNLI revealed that about 5 per cent of people choose a beach for its safety features.
Steve Instance, RNLI divisional inspector for lifeguards, told BBC News:
"Safety should be a key consideration for the public when choosing which beach to visit, especially families and groups with children.
"However, all too often, beachgoers simply aren't aware of all the dangers that a mere dip, swim or surf in the water can entail.
"Many people equate beach cleanliness with beach safety, but this does not take into account 'invisible' hazards such as tides, currents and offshore winds."
Earlier this year, south west England was revealed as having the best beaches in Britain by the Good Beach Guide. And with additional safeguarding at hand, the RNLI is confident that Devon and Cornwall will now make for much safer beach-going experiences.