The RNLI has announced that 17 Cornish beaches will have lifeguard cover this Easter.

The beaches will have lifeguards across the Easter holidays, before the majority of the 17 reduce to weekend cover ahead of full cover at all of Cornwall's beaches from April 29.

The 17 beaches with cover are: Sennen, Porthmeor, Gwithian, Hayle, Praa Sands, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Fistral, Towan, Watergate, Mawgan Porth, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Tregonhawke.

Patrols will continue daily at Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor, and Sennen until the end of September, while patrols on a number of other beaches will have weekend cover and return daily for the summer on Saturday 29 April, following the Easter holidays.

Tim Fallowfield, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor in Cornwall, said: "The RNLI has been working closely with the Council and local communities to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped, and that lifeguard training has been performed seamlessly.

"Pre-season preparations are in full swing and the charity’s lifeguards are eager to return to the beaches and do what they do best - offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.

"We'd highly recommend people to head to one of our RNLI lifeguarded beaches this Easter and speak to the lifeguards to find out the local beach risks, tides, and weather conditions. Good weather would be most welcome, however, it’s important to remember that the water is usually at its coldest at this time of the year which increases the risk of cold water shock.

"Additionally, the winter weather at your local beach might have altered the landscape and terrain, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with any new hazards such as rips or exposed rocks.

"Be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned, and always have a means of calling for help. We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter."

Cornwall Council invests each year in keeping their beach visitors safe by contributing to RNLI costs, which helps to meet lifeguard wages, while the extensive training and equipment needed is provided by the charity through public donations.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: "It’s great to see lifeguards returning to the beaches as we enter the Easter holidays. Each year they rescue dozens of people and help prevent tragedies. Remember to follow their advice and please stay safe when visiting our beautiful beaches."