IT has been a busy season for RNLI lifeguards in Bude, and despite patrols finishing on many beaches on Sunday, September 25, the season is not quite over yet.

Daily lifeguard patrols are at an end, but RNLI lifeguards will once again be providing a service at Widemouth and Summerleaze, along with help from Bude Surf Lifesaving volunteers, every weekend in October and for the full half term from October 22 to 30.

While patrols are in place into the autumn, it is recommended that people take advantage of the service at these beaches and stay safe at the coast. Those who can’t make it to a lifeguarded beach can help keep themselves safe by taking note of the safety signage at the entrance to the beach, going with a friend or telling someone on the shore where they are going, as well as being aware of the conditions and their own capabilities in the water.

If walking along the coast, it is advised to check the tide times before setting out and to carry a means of communication. Autumn can see bigger swells and more unpredictable rip currents, so people should take extra care in the water.

Anyone in difficulty in the water should try not to panic or fight against any currents, hold onto anything buoyant they have, call for help and raise their hand to attract attention and try to keep their head above water.

It is also advised that people don’t enter the water if spotting someone in trouble, but to instead ring 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.

For Bude RNLI lifeboat volunteers, the end of the summer season has been quiet, but while the crew awaits the next time the pager goes off, they are always training.

In the past month, volunteer Kieran Marshall has passed out as a full lifeboat crew member, following four years of training. He is one of the youngest members of Bude RNLI lifeboat and is looking forward to ongoing training, which will include a casualty care course.

Also this month, crew undertook a casualty care exercise on Summerleaze beach, with volunteer casualties and advice from local doctor, Dr McDonald.

In August, Bude Lifeboat Day was a resounding success, including a visit from a training Mersey class lifeboat that locked into Bude Canal for the weekend, and visitors were able to take a tour onboard with crew.

There was also a fantastic search and rescue demonstration by Bude RNLI Lifeboat and RNLI lifeguards, along with the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Newquay. The day was finished with a fabulous firework display. Thanks have been extended to all those who came along to support the event.