🛡️ Porthtowan Beach Safety Checklist

✔️ Before You Go to the Beach

• ⏰ Check lifeguard patrol times (10:00–18:00 during the season).

• 🏖️ Staying Safe at Porthtowan Beach

  1. Lifeguard Information & Patrol Times

  • Porthtowan Beach is lifeguarded by the RNLI during the busy season.

  • ✅ Predicted 2026 Lifeguard Patrol Dates for Porthtowan

    A likely 2026 patrol schedule for Porthtowan could be:

    • Early Season (Spring / Easter): ~ early April (around Easter)

    • Main Season: Daily patrols from early May through to end of September

    • October Patrols: Possibly weekends plus October half-term (late October)

    • Season End: Around 2 November (as in 2025)

  • Important: No flags = No lifeguards. If no red-and-yellow flags are flying, there is no active patrol. 

• ⛅ Look at the weather and surf forecast.

• 🌊 Check tide times — many hazards change with the tide.

• 📍 Plan to swim between the red & yellow flags.

• 📞 Make sure your phone is charged.

• 🧴 Bring sunscreen, water, and warm clothes.

✔️ When You Arrive

• 🚩 Locate the flags and read the beach safety signs.

• 🛟 Identify where the lifeguard hut is.

• 👀 Spot any hazards (strong swell, rocks, rip currents).

• 👶 Keep children within arm’s reach near the surf.

✔️ Understanding the Beach Flags

• 🟥🟨 Red & Yellow Flag — Safe swimming & bodyboarding area.

• ⬛⬜ Black & White Flag — Surfboards, paddleboards & kayaks only.

• 🟥 Red Flag — Dangerous conditions. Do not enter the water.

• 🟧 Orange Windsock — Strong/offshore winds. No inflatables.

✔️ In the Water

• 👥 Never swim alone.

• 🏊 Stay inside the flagged zone.

• 🚫 Avoid rocks and rip currents.

• 🛟 Keep inflatables out of the sea unless conditions are perfect.

• 📏 Know your limits — if in doubt, stay shallower.

✔️ If You Get Into Trouble

• ✋ Raise your hand and shout for help.

• 🌬️ Float to Live:

  • Lean back

  • Spread your arms

  • Keep your airway clear

  • Calm your breathing

• 🧭 If caught in a rip current:

  • Don't swim against it

  • Float or swim parallel to the shore

• 📞 If no lifeguard is on duty:

  • Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

✔️ If You See Someone Else in Trouble

• 🚨 Tell a lifeguard immediately.

• 📞 If unpatrolled, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.

• 🛑 Do not enter the water yourself — you could become another casualty.

✔️ Extra Safety Tips

• 🚫 Alcohol and swimming don't mix.

• 🏄 Always keep hold of your board in the surf — it’s your flotation.

• 🌅 Evening swimmers: visibility is lower — stay extra cautious.

🔗 Helpful Links

• RNLI Lifeguarded Beaches (Porthtowan)
  https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/porthtowan-beach

• RNLI Beach Safety Advice
  https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

• Know Your Flags
  https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety/flags-and-signs