THE Bude RNLI lifeguards have been training in preparation for the summer season, with the 2016 season being well under way.

As well as grueling fitness training, early season gives members the chance to refresh their first aid skills. All the lifeguards on the Bude beaches have attended casualty care courses in preparation for real situations, and these skills have already been put into practice at Widemouth recently.

RNLI lifeguards have also been conducting joint training exercises with other rescue services. Coastguard 924, Cornwall’s new search and rescue helicopter, landed at Bude Rugby Club earlier in May for a familiarisation exercise.

As well as this, lifeguards have also attended a training session led by Bude Cliff Rescue Team, and the Widemouth lifeguards have been exercising regularly with the Bude Lifeboat.

Rescues on Summerleaze beach have already taken place, with four surfers assisted to shore on the very first day of the season due to strong rip currents at low tide.

Over the Easter period, lifeguards were called to a swimmer in difficulty at Crooklets beach and two lifeguards responded on the Rescue Water Craft, assisting the gentleman who was in need of medical attention.

Black Rock, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Crooklets and Sandymouth beaches will all have a daily lifeguard service from now until the end of September, as part of the new main lifeguard season.

Lifeguard patrols will start at Northcott and Crackington in July.

The RNLI advises anyone heading to the beach to choose one with lifeguard cover, where trained lifesavers are on hand to give out advice and help if anyone should get into difficulty.

Bude RNLI lifeboat station volunteers had a busy start to the year with three shouts in March, as well as staff undertaking a variety of training, which is vital to ensure the crew’s skills and techniques are kept fresh in case of a shout.

The station is also involved with several fundraising events