Safe lifeguarded beaches in Cornwall
The beaches in Cornwall are becoming popular with families who want to enjoy the waves during the summer season. Around 60 of Cornwall's 330 beaches are lifeguarded, which means there is something suitable for everyone, whether you're looking for a remote, unspoiled beach or a vast expanse of sand with surf schools and dining options on-site.
The primary lifeguard season runs from May to September, between 10 am and 6 pm, and some beaches also offer cover during the October half-term. It's crucial to check ahead of your visit for specific dates and times, as well as dog restrictions, as some beaches prohibit dogs between 10 am and 6 pm during the school holidays.
While it's essential to take note of the lifeguard presence, it's equally important to remain cautious about potential hazards in the water. The RNLI provides all the necessary information on how to keep yourself and your family safe in open water. This includes flag identification, the "float to live" campaign, how to spot potential hazards like rip currents, and what to do if you get caught in one.
North Cornwall is home to several lifeguarded beaches, including Chapel Porth, Constantine, Crantock, Fistral, Godrevy, Gwithian, Mawgan Porth, and Porthtowan.
Chapel Porth is a beautiful beach near St Agnes, with a hidden location down a winding lane. It's host to the annual bellyboarding championships in September, and the Chapel Porth Cafe, located near the car park, is open for breakfast and lunch, as well as weekend feast nights during the summer.
Constantine is one of the most popular beaches on the north coast and offers a gently shelving arc of golden sand and reliable Atlantic rollers, making it a favourite for swimming and surfing.
Crantock beach is south of Newquay and sits across the river Gannel, making it an excellent location for children and dogs, which are welcome all year round.
Fistral is a mecca for watersports and has an extensive lifeguard presence, hire facilities, and dining options right on the beach. Godrevy has sheltered shores, perfect surf, and rocky outcrops for children to scramble on, even in the summer.
Gwithian, which is perfect for families, surfers, and swimmers, has a vast expanse of golden sand and lifeguarded shores. It also has board hire facilities nearby and a fantastic cafe, the Hungry Horsebox Co, located by the grassy dunes. Mawgan Porth, located between Newquay and Padstow, has a massive beach that's great for surfing and lazy beach days.
It also has brilliant rock pools and caves that are revealed at low tide, making it perfect for tiring dogs all year round. Porthtowan, with its Blue Flag status and Tris Surf Shop, is one of north Cornwall's most popular surfing beaches, and you can walk to neighboring Chapel Porth at low tide, which is lifeguarded between May and September.
Watergate Bay, on the outskirts of Newquay, is a vast two-mile stretch of golden sand that's popular with surfers, sun-seekers, and dog walkers, with plenty of room for everyone and many surf schools. It's dog-friendly all year round.