



Experience the full spectrum of coastal rescue skills with Lifeguard Trials, a hands-on adventure combining lifeguard training, coasteering, and Super SUP activities. Teams work together across a full day of challenges, learning practical ocean safety and rescue techniques in a safe, supportive environment. Expert instructors guide every step while keeping the day fun and engaging.
The day begins at Newquay Activity Centre with a safety briefing and kit allocation. Participants are provided with wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, and hi-visibility rash vests. In the morning session, lifeguard-qualified instructors guide you through essential lifesaving skills, including board and tube rescues, dealing with unconscious casualties, identifying rip currents, and basic first aid, all delivered through fun competitions and challenges.
After a break for lunch, the afternoon session focuses on coasteering and Super SUP adventures. Participants navigate North Coast Challenge, Adventure Gulley, or other local coasteering routes, clambering through caves, climbing cliffs, and exploring natural rapids. Along the way, mock rescue scenarios test your morning lessons, requiring teams to assess, plan, and safely evacuate casualties.
The session concludes with a Super SUP experience, where teams paddle, jump, and splash along the coast, using the oversized platform to practice teamwork and navigation. Instructors provide continuous support, guidance, and encouragement to ensure safety, learning, and enjoyment throughout the full-day adventure.
Newquay is a prime coastal destination in Cornwall, offering dramatic cliffs, historic caves, and crystal-clear waters. The activity routes take in scenic coves, plunge pools, and marine habitats, providing an ideal environment for both learning and adventure.
Participants experience iconic Newquay beaches, including Adventure Gulley and North Coast Challenge areas. The coastline is rich in natural and cultural heritage, from old smuggling caves to thriving marine wildlife, offering a unique backdrop for lifeguard skills, coasteering, and SUP training.
Participants should be comfortable in a wetsuit and willing to take part in shallow water activities. No prior lifeguard, coasteering, or SUP experience is needed, as all skills are taught on the day.
A willingness to work as a team, follow safety instructions, and engage in problem-solving challenges will help participants get the most from the experience. Swimwear should be worn under the wetsuit, and water shoes are recommended for cliff and coasteering activities.
The centre provides highly experienced, lifeguard-qualified instructors with expertise in coasteering, SUP, and ocean rescue. Their guidance ensures all participants learn practical skills while staying safe and confident throughout the full-day session.
Facilities include heated changing rooms, separate male and female toilets, hot outdoor showers, and secure lockers. Free photography captures the day’s highlights, and optional local discounts enhance the overall experience, combining learning, adventure, and lasting memories.
Lifeguard Trials is a full-day coastal adventure combining real lifeguard training, coasteering, and Super SUP activities. Participants learn practical rescue techniques, first aid, and water safety while tackling challenges designed to test teamwork and problem-solving.
The experience is suitable for ages 8 and above. No prior lifeguard, coasteering, or SUP experience is required, as all skills are taught by expert instructors who adapt the activities to each group’s ability and confidence level.
The full-day session lasts approximately four hours, allowing participants to complete morning lifeguard training and an afternoon coasteering and SUP adventure. There is a break for lunch to rest and refuel between sessions.
Groups are capped at 15 participants per instructor, ensuring personalised coaching, safety, and supervision. Larger groups may be split into smaller teams so everyone can fully participate and gain hands-on experience.
Basic comfort in shallow water is recommended, but advanced swimming skills are not required. All activities are conducted under close supervision with appropriate safety equipment, including wetsuits and buoyancy aids.
Those less confident in water-based activities can participate in land-based elements, such as cliff traversing, coasteering techniques, and rescue planning exercises. Instructors ensure everyone can engage safely while still having fun.
Participants receive wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, and hi-visibility rash vests. Paddleboards, rescue tubes, and other necessary safety equipment are also provided for the day.
Instructors give full guidance on the correct use of all equipment and supervise activities at all times. Participants are advised to wear swimwear underneath the wetsuit and may bring towels, water shoes, and sunscreen for comfort.
The morning focuses on lifeguard skills taught using board and tube rescues, casualty response, identifying rip currents, and basic first aid. All skills are delivered through games, challenges, and friendly competitions to make learning engaging.
Instructors personalise the session to suit the group, ensuring participants gain confidence in water safety and practical rescue techniques. By the end of the morning, everyone will have practiced essential skills needed to respond to real-life scenarios.
The afternoon session combines coasteering and Super SUP adventures. Participants explore caves, climb cliffs, traverse rock ledges, and negotiate natural rapids while learning coastal navigation and teamwork.
Mock rescue scenarios are incorporated into coasteering challenges. Teams must devise and execute evacuation plans for “casualties,” testing their decision-making, collaboration, and application of morning lessons in a realistic setting.
About the centre
Newquay Activity Centre, 60 Fore Street
We both loved it , the instructor was a gentleman . Clear , concise instructions and very helpful . Can’t remember his name sorry , very tall with long hair
Jamie was a good instructor but a bit disappointed with the time snorkeling and not seeing anything. The sighting of the seals and info about the coast was great
Everyone was so friendly. My crew leader Alex was really supportive and encouraging as I am not an avid swimmer and so easing my way into kayaking and coasteering was a breeze. The team back at their headquarters were amazing ... keeping my baggage safe as I toured and even…
We had a really good time with Heath today. He showed us all the safety information and kept checking we were all okay. Instead of just staying out snorkelling he showed us some caves and told us about the history and cool knowledge about the caves and rocks. Had a…
We had an amazing time with heath. He was so lovely and gave us a bit of history as we went along. Very caring and made sure we had a fab time
Fun and exciting. The guide Oleks made it really enjoyable for us
Olek was such a cool instructor…let you get on with enjoying the water whilst keeping you safe and giving lots of detail…dan was super helpful when we got there and having a chat afterwards 10/10 hope to be back next summer
Amazing time coasteering in Cornwall with our instructor James. Great fun and James was very knowledgeable and easy to chat to. Thanks for an amazing time
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Newquay Activity Centre, a partner of adventuro.