Crantock Story Café

Residents and visitors are invited to the next Crantock Story Café, which will take place at Halwyn in Crantock at 7pm on Tuesday 16th June.

The evening will feature a talk by local historian Ben Dobson entitled Lifeguarding in Crantock in the 60s, exploring the early history and development of beach lifeguarding in the village.

Tourism in Cornwall grew rapidly during the first half of the 20th century, helped by the arrival of the Great Western Railway. As increasing numbers of people flocked to the county's beaches, concerns over water safety also grew, with Cornwall averaging around ten drownings a year by the 1950s.

Following a conference on beach safety led by the police, local authorities began introducing lifeguard services, often working alongside Surf Life Saving Clubs. Newquay had already established a lifeguard service in 1947 under the guidance of Publicity Officer Edward Trembath, and in 1960 the service was extended to Crantock Beach.

Ben's talk will explore the challenges faced by Crantock's first lifeguards, the equipment and techniques available to them at the time, and the important role played by the local community in supporting these pioneering lifesavers.

The presentation offers a fascinating insight into a period when organised beach safety was still developing and when local knowledge, courage and community spirit were often the most valuable rescue tools available.

Entry to the event is free, although donations will be welcomed in support of Crantock Surf Life Saving Club.

The Crantock Story Café series celebrates the history, heritage and stories of the local area through a programme of talks and community events.