After a hectic summer with many water-related accidents across the country - some of which were fatal - the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has urged beachgoers to stay safe this autumn when headed to the seaside. 

Soaring temperatures drove hordes of Britons out to the UK's shores over the last few months, but a visit to the seaside comes with risks. 

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) reports that there are three times as many accidental drownings during extreme heat as on a typical summer's day at the beach.

RNLI lifeguards have been kept very busy and just last month, a team helped a lone paddleboarder struggling approximately one mile offshore at Holywell Bay. 

The individual was taken to safety and reunited with their family, but not every incident has had a happy ending this summer. 

In July, two men lost their lives at Seaton Carew beach, in Hartlepool, while attempting to rescue two children who had got into difficulty. The children were deemed safe and were taken to hospital to be checked over. 

Speaking about the paddleboard incident last month, RNLI lifeguard supervisor Drustan Ward said: 'This was a fantastic example of multi-agency teamwork, with RNLI lifeguards, Falmouth Coastguard and Newquay RNLI lifeboat working together to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. 

'I'd also like to recognise lifeguard Evie, whose excellent observation skills helped identify the paddleboarder in difficulty offshore, allowing us to locate and reach the casualty quickly.'

He went on to urge beachgoers to opt for sandy spots that are manned by lifeguards. 

'We'd encourage anyone visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach, swim and surf between the red and yellow flags where possible and check the conditions before heading into the water,' Mr Ward said. 

It comes at an important time – as the summer season comes to an end and autumn draws in, RNLI lifeguard patrol times are going to change. 

Cornwall's busiest beaches, including Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen, will have full-time patrols until November 1.

However, other areas will not be as thoroughly covered. Weekend-only patrols are set to take place from September 28 to October 18 and during October half-term on several Cornish beaches.

These include Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Crantock, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan and Chapel Porth.

Meanwhile, Dorset's lifeguard season ends on September 27. 

In Devon, weekend-only patrols will operate from September 28 to October 18, and during the October half-term on Bantham, Croyde and Woolacombe.

In Jersey there will be weekend-only patrols on Le Braye from September 28 to October 18 and during October half-term.