RNLI lifeguards return to Bognor Regis beach this weekend
A team of RNLI lifeguards will return to Bognor Regis beach this weekend in a sign that summer is on its way.
RNLI Lifeguard Manager, Ed Stevens and his team are making final preparations for their return to the town’s seafront, ‘We’re about to enter what the RNLI calls our peak lifeguard season. Schools are breaking up for the summer holidays, the weather is getting warmer and people are flocking to the coast.
‘This year will be our third season keeping the people of Bognor Regis safe as they enjoy their time at the beach. We’ll be welcoming back returning lifeguards and have already trained a number of new recruits who’ll be putting their training into action as of Saturday.’
Last year, RNLI lifeguards at Bognor dealt with more than 200 incidents, and gave safety advice to more than 7,000 beachgoers during the charity’s second summer providing a lifeguard service in the town.
Ed added: ‘In line with the RNLI’s national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, we’re urging beach goers to stay safe whilst enjoying the beach this summer. Our lifeguards will be on hand to offer advice and will be marking out the safest place to swim - which is always between the red and yellow flags.
‘If people do get into difficulty, our lifeguards are highly trained to help people in and out of the water. They’re equipped with vital lifesaving kit such as rescue boards and first aid responder bags, allowing them to treat a variety of injuries ranging from scrapes and cuts to broken legs and even cardiac arrest.’
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
· Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
· Sophie Coller-Nielsen Press Officer (London/East/South East), 0207 6207416, 07824 416615 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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