RNLI lifeguards will be on the county’s beaches longer this year as patrols are extended for the summer holidays.

Across Cornwall, 40 beaches, including Gyllyngvase in Falmouth, Praa Sands and Poldhu at Mullion, will have lifeguard cover until 7pm each evening from Saturday, July 23, until September 4.

With more people enjoying the beaches and water activities later into the evenings, RNLI lifeguards will be on hand from 10am to 7pm daily to provide assistance and safety advice to beachgoers.

Steve Instance, senior RNLI lifeguard manager, said: "As the school holidays approach we are coming into the busiest period of the year on the beaches and our lifeguards will be on hand every day throughout the summer to provide information and safety advice to visitors.

"Cornwall’s beaches are extremely busy in the summer with people enjoying the water later and making the most of the light evenings. As a result, this year we have decided to extend our lifeguard patrol hours on selected beaches in Cornwall until 7pm, allowing people to enjoy the water safely, knowing the lifeguards will be keeping a watch over them for an extra hour.

"When you’re heading to the coast this summer we urge you to choose a lifeguarded beach during patrol hours where our team can help you on the safest place to swim and surf. It is important to respect the water and be prepared for any activities you are doing. Speak to the lifeguards to find out the local tide times, hazards and conditions on the day.

"The RNLI lifeguards will go off duty at 7pm each evening. If you’re in the water after this time please take extra care, read the safety signage at the entrance to the beach and check the conditions. If you get into difficulty wave your hands and shout for help, and if you see anybody else in trouble call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard."

A new lifeguard service has started at Perranuthnoe beach in west Cornwall and RNLI lifeguards are now on patrol at Lusty Glaze in Newquay, bringing the total number of RNLI lifeguard services to 59 beaches across Cornwall this summer season. RNLI lifeguards have been on patrol on many Cornish beaches since Easter and have already carried out numerous rescues and assisted many beachgoers.

Other beaches with extended lifeguard services include Mawgan Porth, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze, Porth, Tolcarne, Great Western, Towan, Fistral, Crantock, Holywell, Perran Sands, Perranporth, St Agnes, Chapel Porth, Porthtowan, Portreath, Gwithian, Upton Towans, Hayle Towans, Porthminster, Porthmeor, Sennen and Kennack Sands.