Top 5 West Cornwall swim on lifeguarded beaches

There are obviously a number of lifeguarded beaches throughout Cornwall. Some we’d class as surfing beaches and some are typically fairly frequently flat. So whilst we’ll include it in the post, you need to check the conditions before visiting.

It might also be an idea to check the lifeguard cover, with some beaches covered for the ‘main’ summer season and some only covered for the ‘peak’ weeks. Best have a chat with the lifeguards before entering the water and inform them of your plans. You could also get some advice on safe routes and the conditions.

PORTHCURNO - offers a beautiful swim. I prefer low tide (a spring low if possible). Best swimming in the morning (10 am) or around 5pm, as you may struggle with parking otherwise. I will warn you that the water is generally a good degree cooler than the rest of Cornwall. Typically crystal clear water, white sand and glorious swimming.

GREAT HOGUS REEF (Marazion) - I’m going for an unusual choice here. Looking at a mid to high tide, in nice flat conditions. This one is a bit of a swimfari. Lots of sea life, seaweed and crazy rocks. More of a swim-snorkel, than a straight swim…you need to keep an eye out for rocks hiding just under the surface. All in the shadow of St Michael’s Mount.

PORTHMINSTER - located in St Ives it’s always a pain parking but you can park up in Carbis Bay and get a 2 minute train to Porthminster or walk…lovely walk in nice weather. Aim to swim mid-to-high tide. You can swim at low tide but it’s very shallow for a long way out. Avoid the harbour area.

SENNEN / GWYNVER - you’d need both with flat conditions and I’d advise swimming at either on an incoming tide. Again, chat to the lifeguards before venturing in.

PERRANUTHNOE - whilst the main beach isn’t the most interesting swim, the beach is lovely and there are some really interesting swims in the immediate area. During the summer months the beach is generally flat but it can pick up swell in the right conditions. *There isn’t much beach at high tide, particularly on a spring high.

Assisted swims in Cornwall

During the summer we often took out 2 rescue boards per paddler (water safety member), so we attached one board to the other using a leash. This was a Covid measure….so that if someone had stitch, cramp, had some sort of issue they could clamber onto the extra board without having to come into close contact with any of the rescue crew. This was a very good system (not that anyone actually needed it) and it also got Tom and Jo thinking.

We’ve had lots of enquiries, had a few nervous swimmers….there are lots of swimmers out there that want to complete various A to B swims but are nervous about the conditions and distance. So they miss out. We’d like to be as inclusive as possible but we’re also realistic - and have to be from a safety point of view.

So as of the 2021 season we’re offering a new service. We’ll offer people the opportunity to complete various swims that may not generally be open to them….because of their fitness, confidence, a disability….whatever the reason.

We’ll take swimmers on 1-2-1 swims around places like St Michael’s Mount and Kynance Cove using 2 rescue boards - which will be attached. The swimmer can pick-and-choose the sections of the swim that they complete and then hop onto the rescue board and get a tow around other sections…and a well deserved rest. This will ultimately allow the swimmer the experience of completing some world class, bucket-list worthy swims, without necessarily completing the entire distance. Opening up a whole new list of swims for lots of individuals.

If you are interested in this service simply contact us next summer and we’ll give you the full rundown.