Polzeath Coastguard

14/08/2026

⚠️ The government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues as they pose a "significant risk to the public" amid ongoing heatwave conditions.

The single-use grills “have been the cause of a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months”, advice published online by the government said.

It added: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.

"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time."

01/07/2026

Polzeath Coastguard team were paged on Sunday to a suspected item of ordnance on Port Isaac beach.

The team maintained a beach cordon while RAF EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) were contacted. Unfortunately they were unable to attend before the tide had turned, so a plan was put in place along with police to return the next morning at low tide.

On Monday morning the team re-attended Port Isaac and once the tide had receded, secured the beach while we waited for EOD to arrive.

Once EOD arrived they carried out a controlled explosion to destroy the item.

Coastguard Rescue Officers are trained to deal with a wide range of incidents like this. Our role is to secure the scene, create a cordon around the item and work closely with other teams. In this case, RAF explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).

If you ever come across a suspicious object on the coast:

❌ Do not touch it
❌ Do not move it
❌ Do not take it
☎️ Move away to a safe distance and call 999, asking for the Coastguard.

08/06/2026

Police are appealing for help from the public to locate a girl who is missing from Cornwall.
Sophia Ball was last seen in the Liskey Hill area of Perranporth around 12.45pm on Sunday, June 7.
The 13-year-old is described as being a white female, roughly 5ft 4ins tall, and has a slim, athletic build.
Sophia has dark brown hair which she usually wears in a low ponytail.
When she was last seen, Sophia was wearing a light grey hooded jacket, black jogging bottoms, and Crocs with Star Wars charms.
Police are concerned for her wellbeing and are appealing for anyone who sees Sophia, or who has information on her whereabouts, to contact the force.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of 13-year-old Sophia Ball who was been reporting missing from the Perranporth area.
"If you have seen Sophia, or know of her whereabouts, please call police immediately on 999, quoting log 412 07/06/2026."

27/05/2026

03/05/2026

As we head into the busy summer season, a reminder that the seasonal dog restrictions start on the 15th May on our beautiful Blue Flag beach.
From 10am to 6pm, dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Outside of these hours, they’re very welcome to enjoy the space and stretch their legs.
The same rules apply for horses 🐎

We know how much people love bringing their dogs to the coast, and this measure isn’t about blame - it’s about making sure the beach can be safely enjoyed by everyone during the busiest times of day, while also helping us meet the criteria for Blue Flag status.

We really appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation.
By working together, we can keep the beach clean, safe, and enjoyable for all—whether you’re here for a swim, a walk, or some time with your four-legged friend 🐶

Thank you for your support 💙

** And before anyone comments 'people are worse than dogs', that's why this rule is in place.
All dogs are accompanied by people.
And some people are irresponsible.
This needs no further explanation.

04/04/2026

Excellent advice from Beacon VetCare

If you’re heading to the coast over the holidays:
🌊 Always check tide times before you set off
📍 Plan your route and exit points
🐾 Keep dogs on leads near cliff edges and fast-moving water
📞And if you ever need us, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

We’ll be here as always… just without control over the tides.

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine when it comes ☀️

23/03/2026

Shout – 22 March | Lundy Bay

Our volunteer crew were tasked to reports of two casualties who had become separated from their boat at Lundy Bay.

On arrival, we found the vessel at the water’s edge, with both casualties safe at the top of the beach. Working alongside Polzeath Coastguard, our crew reached them at the same time. Both were suffering from mild hypothermia but thankfully safe.

It was agreed that the Coastguard would take the casualties into their care, while our crew skippered the vessel around to Port Gaverne for recovery.

The Port Isaac ILB escorted the boat, which was later handed over to a relative and safely recovered from the beach.

Our crew then returned to station and made the lifeboat ready for service.

👏 A great example of teamwork between emergency services and a positive outcome for all involved. Well done team 👏

22/03/2026

🚨 Safety Advice 🚨

The Camel estuary, between Wadebridge and Padstow, features extensive mud and sandbanks at low tide. The mudbanks are often very deep and soft, which can make accessing the water’s edge challenging. Even when you know the coast well, it’s easy to get into a sticky situation, especially when tides and mud/quicksand are thrown into the mix. Be safe not sorry, call for help, don’t leave it too late.

Don’t let it happen to you:

• check the tide times and weather conditions before setting out and leave yourself extra time just in case
• if you do get stuck then stay calm, lean back and spread your weight
• avoid moving or flailing in the soft mud or sand as you could sink even further
• discourage others from helping, they might get stuck too
• call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

Stay Safe! 👌

13/02/2026