Beach, safety and rescue

Red and yellow flags mean lifeguards are on patrol. Two red and yellow flags at the waters’ edge designate a bathing/bodyboarding zone supervised by lifeguards.



The quartered black and white flag indicates the area zoned for surf craft and malibu boards. It is not safe for swimmers and bathers.




The red flag means it is dangerous to bathe or swim, and you should not go into the water. Please be patient, take note of the zoning flags, and use the right area for your particular activity.


Newquay Beach Rescue operates from mid-May to the end of September on nine beaches: Crantock, North & South Fistral, Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne, Lusty Glaze, Porth, Watergate and Mawgan Porth.

Lifeguards patrol these beaches between 10am and 6pm, 7 days a week. Their main task is to manage the beach and set up separate zones for bathing and surfing and to provide close supervision of those in the water. They also deal with a wide variety of incidents ranging from sea rescues to lost children and minor first aid, including heart attacks.

Please remember that our Newquay lifeguards are there to help and advise you, since sea conditions can be dangerous at times.