RNLI in the North West issues safety advice ahead of heatwave
As the UK prepares for another spell of warm weather, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) are urging families heading to the North West’s beaches to visit a lifeguarded one where possible.
The charity’s statistics show during recent summers there has been a rise in the number of children’s lives their lifeguards have saved, so are issuing an urgent plea to families to follow essential safety advice to keep them and their loved ones safe.
In 2024, RNLI lifeguards in North West England responded to 542 incidents, aided 819 people and made 134,740 preventative actions.
To stay safe, the RNLI is urging the public to:
· Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.
· Swim between the red and yellow flags.
· Always check the tide times and weather forecast.
· If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
· If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
On the Wirral, RNLI lifeguards are now patrolling at West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive, The Plateaux and New Brighton every day from 10am-6pm for the rest of the summer holidays.
In Sefton, RNLI lifeguards are now patrolling at Ainsdale, Southport, Formby and Crosby every day from 10am-6pm for the rest of the summer holidays.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region, said: ‘With the hot weather forecast for this weekend, we are encouraging the public to choose a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach.
‘Although the air temperature is rising, the sea temperature remains low enough to cause cold water shock. Enter the water slowly, take time to acclimatise and try to relax. We advise wearing a wetsuit and avoid swimming alone.
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
‘Remember to check the tide times and weather conditions before heading to the beach. This weekend there are big tides, this increases the speed at which the tide comes in and puts the public at greater risk of being cut off.’
‘If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
‘Please share these messages with your family and friends, we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coast, and to stay safe whilst doing so.’
Find your nearest lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
Media Contacts
For more information please contact Anya Walton Communications Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.