RNLI urges people to take care along Devon and Cornwall coasts after PM's announcement

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has urged people to take extra care along Devon and Cornwall coasts after the Government announced it will be okay to swim in the sea from tomorrow (May 13).

This week, Mr Johnson revealed that people will be able to participate in water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, boating and angling from tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13). Credit: Tom Jolliffe

Yesterday, 11 May, Mr Johnson revealed that people can now participate in water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, boating and angling from tomorrow Wednesday May 13.

However, the charity is warning visitors to the region's beaches that, at present, there are no RNLI lifeguards and there will be limited cover going forward into the summer months.

The RNLI is currently working through the updated guidance delivered by the Prime Minister and will be engaging with a number of watersport governing bodies and other stakeholders to help inform its response.

It is believed the RNLI hopes to provide lifeguard services on 30% of the beaches the charity usually covers over the summer, depending on government advice.