Following a number of serious incidents already this year, those heading to the beach to make the most of the sunshine this weekend are being urged by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to keep themselves and their families safe by following s
Good weather inevitably means more people heading to the Great British seaside so lifesaving charity, the RNLI, is urging beach-goers – particularly those planning to use the water – to put the safety of themselves and their families first by always choosing a lifeguarded beach, swimming between the red and yellow flags, and making sure they call on the help of a lifeguard or dial 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see someone else in trouble in the water.
Ross Macleod, RNLI Coastal Safety Programmes Manager, says:
‘There have been a number of serious incidents around the coast already this year – including, very sadly, some fatalities. Trips to the beach are meant to be great fun, and they can stay that way if beach-goers remember some key safety advice.
‘We strongly recommend that anyone heading to the beach – particularly those planning to go in the water – should choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.
‘We’d also urge people to remember their own safety if they see someone else in trouble in the water. It’s a natural instinct to try to help if you see another person in danger, but the best and safest course of action is to alert a lifeguard or, if there’s not a lifeguard nearby, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Trying to carry out a rescue yourself can often mean you’re endangering your own life – so remember to call for expert help.’
RNLI lifeguards aim to reach any casualty up to 300 metres from the shore within the red and yellow flags within three-and-a-half minutes. Last year, the charity’s lifeguards responded to 15,625 incidents, helped 17,671 people and saved 84 lives on some of the UK and Ireland’s busiest beaches.
This summer the charity has launched a new free mobile app for Apple and Android to help people find their nearest lifeguarded beach, see real-time weather information and even enter the RNLI's fun sandcastle competition from whichever beach they're on. The app can be downloaded from www.rnli.org/beach.
The RNLI’s guide to beach safety, On The Beach, is packed full of advice on how to stay safe at the beach. It is available free-of-charge by emailing beachsafety@rnli.org.uk or calling 0800 328 0600. Further practical advice and tips on how to stay safe can be found at www.rnli.org/beach.
Notes to editors
• RNLI spokespeople are available for interview or comment.
• A photo of an RNLI lifeguard is attached. Please credit RNLI.
RNLI media contacts
For more information, contact Laura Fennimore, RNLI Public Relations Officer, on 01202 663181 or email lfennimore@rnli.org.uk. Alternatively, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789 or email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk.