RNLI lifeguards will begin their vital safety patrols on Polzeath, Widemouth and Summer­leaze beaches, tomorrow (Friday).

The teams will be providing beach safety information, advice on any potential hazards, first aid treatment and carrying out rescues throughout the season — from now until the end of September.

With the May Day Bank Holiday weekend attracting many to the region's coast, the RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews are asking the public to heed the safety advice to ensure they and their families remember their trip to the beach for the right reasons.

Steve Instance, RNLI divisional inspector for lifeguards in the South West said: "The RNLI lifeguards patrolled some beaches over the Easter bank holiday weekend, however Friday officially marks the start of the RNLI lifeguard season and sees 27 of the 91 beaches that will be patrolled by the RNLI lifeguards this summer, up and running.

"Last year RNLI lifeguards in the South West dealt with 8,423 incidents, assisted 9,801 people and saved 39 lives, and the volunteer lifeboat crews launched 274 times to beach related incidents. These were mainly major rescues and assists in the water, illustrating how important it is to use a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags, as well as taking notice of the safety advice at the entrance to the beach and provided by the lifeguards.

"Equally, by checking out the dangers associated with water sports and by getting the best safety advice, all water users can ensure that enjoyment and fun never turns to tragedy."

Beach-goers can check out the RNLI website http://www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety">www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety for practical advice and tips on how to stay safe. The RNLI's guide to beach safety, On The Beach, is packed full of advice on how to stay safe at the beach. It is available free-of-charge by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or calling 0800 328 0600.