Two die and several injured on Cornwall beaches over the bank holiday weekend, and the RNLI has called on local authorities to restrict beach access until lockdown measures are over

The hot weather drew many people to local beauty spots over the bank holiday weekend. However, in a tragic event, two people lose their lives and several others were injured in accidents that occurred on Bank Holiday Monday.

The RNLI lifeguard service was paused in March due to lockdown restrictions. ITV Westcountry recently reported that an open letter by the organisation’s chief executive Mark Dowie said the relaxation of the rules had put them in an ‘impossible situation.’

Recently the RNLI and the HM Coastguard launched a beach safety campaign in the run-up to summer and urged people to take a common-sense approach when using the beach and waters. One of the advisories was also not to use inflatable boats.

This comes after the HM Coastguard and RNLI launch a new beach safety guide to help people stay safe and alert with visiting the coast this summer.

In the letter, Mr. Dowie has also asked the government to restrict access to beaches and the coast until they can get lifeguards back on patrol. The chief executive also said that the bank holiday saw the busiest weekend so far this year.

The RNLI is a charity, and it has been reported they are experiencing a £45 million shortfall in funding due to the pandemic. The organisation also explained that unlike other sectors, they were not given time to prepare for the easing of lockdown restrictions and need time to train staff. Plus, find PPE equipment that will work on board the lifeboats.

Mirroring the message about safety, police in the region are also urging the public to be extra vigilant. Supt Adrian Leisk, the Local Policing Area Commander for West Cornwall said on Monday,

“there is a real threat if you enter the water on the north coast of Devon and Cornwall today. We cannot be any clearer in asking you not to go in.”

Before the bank holiday, there were also warnings about large waves and spring tides. CoastSafe campaigners also commented to Cornwall Live, “We have real concerns at present that we could see fatalities on our coastlines.”

Surfing England also shared their concern and advised that beginners should not take this time to learn how to surf.

Warnings were shared over several Twitter accounts, including local surf groups, local police and the RNLI. Plus, there were photographs of the warning signs placed at beaches letting visitors know there was no lifeguards present.

This news comes after Devon and Cornwall’s authorities have joined forces to ask people to stay away as part of a #comebacklater campaign.

Last week Chief Supt Glen Mayhew of Devon and Cornwall Police also tweeted that three lives had been saved in separate incidents along the coastline. One was by an off-duty officer enjoying a walk. He urged people not to put themselves at risk to help keep everyone safe.

The organisation CoastSafe yesterday shared a message on Twitter about the effects of cold water. Although the temperature may be hotting up, our waters are around 12 degrees, which can cause Cold Water Shock.