Lifeguard beaches in South Hams coastline

South Hams lifeguard cover

LIFEGUARD BEACHES IN SOUTH HAMS

Confirmed RNLI patrol seasons along the South Devon coast, from Bantham to Slapton Sands.

Check before you swim

Lifeguard-patrolled beach guides

RNLI lifeguard cover is seasonal and can change with the weather and time of year. These pages only include beaches where the current Beach Notes guide already confirms regular RNLI patrol dates.

5 local guides

Lifeguard beaches in South Hams

Bantham in South Hams

Lifeguard patrol beach in South Hams

Bantham

RNLI lifeguards patrol through the main summer season, and seasonal refreshments are available near the car park, with a pub and shop in the village.

Best tide: Low to mid - More sand and friendlier whitewater
Full beach guide: Check patrol dates, access and facilities

Bigbury-on-Sea in South Hams

Lifeguard patrol beach in South Hams

Bigbury-on-Sea

RNLI lifeguards patrol through the summer, and a café and beach shops are close to the sand.

Best tide: Low tide - Walk across to Burgh Island
Full beach guide: Check patrol dates, access and facilities

Blackpool Sands in South Hams

Lifeguard patrol beach in South Hams

Blackpool Sands

RNLI lifeguards patrol for a shorter summer season than at many nearby beaches, so check current dates before swimming.

Best tide: Any tide - Sheltered water throughout the day
Full beach guide: Check patrol dates, access and facilities

Hope Cove in South Hams

Lifeguard patrol beach in South Hams

Hope Cove

RNLI lifeguards patrol Outer Hope for a short summer season only; Inner Hope is not lifeguarded.

Best tide: Mid to high - Sheltered water for swimming
Full beach guide: Check patrol dates, access and facilities

Slapton Sands in South Hams

Lifeguard patrol beach in South Hams

Slapton Sands

RNLI lifeguards patrol only parts of the beach during a short summer season.

Best tide: Any tide - Usable beach throughout the day
Full beach guide: Check patrol dates, access and facilities