• Home
• Book Online
• Rooms
• Apartment
• Local Area
  • Beaches
  • Food & Drink
  • Walks & Tours
  • Art & Artefacts
  • Days Out
  • Experiences
• Blog
• Self Catering
• Contact Us

• Tragedy at Cornwall Beaches Spurs Urgent Water Safety Reminder

  Two women sadly lost their lives on August 10 2025 after being pulled from the sea at separate popular beaches in Cornwall. The first incident happened around 12 30 pm at Portreath Beach near St Ives, where a woman in her 50s was thought to have suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite quick action by paramedics and RNLI lifeguards, she could not be saved. Less than four hours later at Porthcothan Beach near Padstow, another woman was found face down in the water after getting into difficulty and was pronounced dead.

  Just weeks earlier on July 20, a man in his 50s from Hertfordshire died after getting into trouble while swimming at Spit Beach in Par, Cornwall. Despite rescue efforts by the Coastguard, RNLI and ambulance crews, the man could not be revived.

  ---

  Why These Incidents Matter: The Need for Vigilance at Beaches

  Cold water shock is a serious risk when entering the sea, even on warm days. The sudden temperature change can make breathing difficult, cause the heart to race, and lead to panic.

  Rip currents, strong tides, and fast changes in water depth are common dangers around the coast. Cornwall and Devon have some of the highest rates of accidental drowning in the UK.

  Beaches without lifeguard cover are especially risky. Some past tragedies have happened in places with no lifeguard service.

  ---

  How to Stay Safe at the Beach – Essential Tips

  1. Choose a Lifeguarded Beach
     Swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards can watch over you.

  2. Learn Flag Meanings

     • Red and Yellow: Safe swimming zone

     • Red: Danger – do not enter

     • Black and White: Zone for surfboards – no swimming

  3. Understand Rip Currents
     If caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, or swim parallel to the shore until you are free from the current.

  4. Check Tide Times
     Cornwall’s tides can change quickly and by several metres. Always know the tide schedule before entering the water.

  5. Be Sun and Heat Smart
     Use suncream, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water.

  6. Wear the Right Gear
     A wetsuit or buoyant clothing can help keep you warm and afloat if you get into trouble.

  7. In an Emergency

     • At a lifeguarded beach: Tell a lifeguard immediately.

     • At an unguarded beach: Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Keep sight of the person in trouble and encourage them to float.

  ---

  HM Coastguard: Your Critical Rescue Partner

  His Majesty’s Coastguard is responsible for search and rescue along the UK coastline. They work with RNLI lifeboats, Coastguard Rescue Teams, and rescue helicopters.

  If you need help at sea or on the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Give clear details about the location and what is happening so they can send help quickly.

  ---

  In Summary

  The recent drownings in Cornwall are a sad reminder that beach safety is vital. Always choose lifeguarded beaches, understand sea dangers, and know what to do if trouble strikes. The sea is powerful – respect it, prepare before entering, and get help fast if needed.

   

  .
  Read More
• Glowing Plankton Light Up Cornwall Coast

  KYNANCE COVE, CORNWALL

  Visitors to the Cornish coast were treated to a rare and magical sight this week as glowing plankton lit up the sea at night. The natural event, known as bioluminescence, was seen clearly at Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula.

  Photographers and nature lovers were amazed as the waves sparkled with bright blue light. One visitor, Thomas Winstone, had planned to take photos of the stars but was surprised when he saw the glowing water instead. “I went into the sea and saw sparkles in the water,” he said.

  Another visitor, Richard Haynes, described it as unforgettable. “When you see it light up in the waves, you will never forget it,” he said. “It looks like electric blue.”

  ---

  What Causes the Glow?

  The glowing water is caused by tiny sea creatures called plankton. The type seen in Cornwall is likely called Noctiluca scintillans, also known as sea sparkle. These plankton glow when they are moved by waves, fish, or swimmers.

  ---

  Where and When To See It

  This glowing effect is very rare and only happens under the right conditions. It is easiest to see on dark nights with little moonlight and calm seas. Other spots where it has been seen in Cornwall include Grebe Beach and Pedn Vounder.

  If you want to try and see it:

  • Choose a beach with little light pollution

  • Go late at night, after sunset

  • Be patient and let your eyes adjust to the dark

  • Use a red light torch to protect your night vision

  • Do not go into deep or dangerous water

  ---

  A Natural Wonder Close to Home

  Bioluminescent plankton are more often seen in tropical places, so seeing them in Cornwall is a real treat. It is a reminder that nature can still surprise us with beauty right on our doorstep.

   

  .
  Read More
• Octopus Numbers Boom in Cornwall Impact on Local Wildlife

  A surprising rise in the number of octopuses has been reported along the coast of Cornwall and Devon this year. Local fishers and marine experts say it is the biggest increase in decades, and it may be linked to changes in sea temperatures and ocean conditions.

  What’s Happening?

  • Warmer seas caused by a marine heatwave have raised water temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal.

  • This may have created the perfect conditions for common octopuses to thrive and reproduce.

  Big Catches for Fishers

  • Fishers in places like Mevagissey and Brixham are catching huge numbers of octopuses.

  • One fishing crew reported catching over 150 octopuses in a single day.

  • Octopus prices are high, with some selling at £8 per kilogram, especially for export to Spain.

  Concerns for Shellfish Stocks

  • Octopuses are entering lobster and crab traps, eating the valuable shellfish.

  • This is causing concern for shellfish fishers who are losing catch and income.

  • There are suggestions to adjust traps to protect crabs and lobsters from octopus attacks.

  Impact on Wildlife

  • Octopuses are natural predators and feed on crustaceans like crabs and shellfish.

  • A sudden increase in their numbers could upset the balance of the local marine ecosystem.

  What Happens Next?

  • The Cornwall Wildlife Trust is asking people to report sightings using the ORKS app to help track the changes.

  • Experts may recommend new rules, such as fishing limits or trap designs, if octopus numbers stay high.

  • Long-term monitoring is needed to see if this is a one-time event or a sign of more permanent change due to global warming.

  Summary

  The rise in octopus numbers in Cornwall is both exciting and worrying. It brings short-term gains for some fishers, but could harm local wildlife and shellfish stocks in the long run. Scientists and fishers will need to work together to protect the future of Cornwall’s seas.

  .
  Read More

Accommodation Hayle, St Ives Bay