CORNWALL'S RNLI lifeguards saved 39 lives and rescued 827 people in 2012, latest figures have shown.
The RNLI's annual report also showed that the service attended more than 6,000 incidents on Cornish beaches last year, ranging from rescues and first aid to calls for assistance and help in reuniting lost children with their families.
Of Cornwall's 163 beaches, 57 have a lifeguard service which is run by the charity. These beaches are patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the busy summer season between May and September, with season dates varying from beach to beach depending on the number of users.
Cornwall Council owns 26 beaches, which have RNLI lifeguard cover, and the Council contributes £1.069m a year towards the charity's beach lifeguard service.
"We are fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, but the sea can hide many dangers," said Andy Brigden, Cornwall Council's maritime manager.
"The RNLI lifeguard service gives peace of mind for those taking to the water on patrolled beaches."
Councillor Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Environment, Heritage and Planning, said: "The RNLI lifeguards do a fantastic job and this report shows just how valuable their role is in protecting visitors to the beach."
Steve Instance, RNLI lifeguard manager for the south, said: "The RNLI is extremely proud to have provided a lifeguard service on behalf of Cornwall Council since 2001, and within that time has helped thousands of visitors to the county's glorious beaches.
"The lifeguard's primary role is to prevent incidents occurring. They encourage people to bathe between the red and yellow flags and provide advice on local hazards, however should anyone find themselves in difficulty they are fully trained and prepared to respond immediately. It has been a busy start to the 2013 season with the welcome spell of warm weather and incidents the lifeguards have dealt with have ranged from tidal cut offs, swimmers and bodyboarders caught in rip currents, kayakers blown out to sea and more. We'd urge beachgoers to take note of the safety advice and enjoy their visit to the beach."
Clearly signposted, lifeguard patrolled beaches are the safest places to swim. If you are planning a trip to the beach, follow these tips;• swim at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags; • never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas; • check tide times before you go; • if you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help, and; • if you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
For more information on beach safety visit www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety or www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety
