RNLI urges public to stay safe in the South West during Storm Austen

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with winds forecast to reach more than 70mph in coastal locations along the south coast of England.

The expected strong winds will also bring heavy rain posing a safety risk to those visiting the coast. Lifesaving charity the RNLI is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs and seafronts.

Some RNLI lifeguarded beaches across the South West remain operational during half term, but conditions may be extremely challenging. RNLI Lifeguards may decide to fly red flags where conditions are considered too dangerous for entering the water. Beaches without lifeguard cover will also be particularly hazardous during the storm, and visitors are urged to stay well back from the water's edge.

RNLI Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod said: ‘Storm Austen is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.

'If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: Lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety.

‘If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.’

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is float to live:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, remember Phone, Float Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

Notes to editors

· Downloadable soundbite from RNLI Water Safety Manager Ross Macleod here.

· You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Annabelle Spiers, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.