RNLI lifeguards return to Norfolk and Suffolk beaches for summer 2016
A team of RNLI lifeguards will return to 16 beaches across Norfolk and Suffolk this weekend in a sign that summer is on its way.
The lifeguards, who operate on behalf of North Norfolk District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Waveney District Council, will return to their seasonal surroundings of sand and sea at Wells, Sheringham East, East Runton, Cromer West, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft North, Southwold South and or the first time this year West Runton.
Additional lifeguards will also be added to RNLI patrols already in operation (since May) at Sheringham West, Cromer East, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Gorleston, Lowestoft South and Southwold North in preparation for an increase in people visiting the seaside.
Vincent Pank, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, said: ‘We’re about to enter what the RNLI calls our peak lifeguard season. Schools are breaking up for the summer holidays, the weather is set to get warmer and holiday makers are starting to make their way to the coast.
‘We’ve spent the past few weeks gearing up for our return to the beaches by training new lifeguards, welcoming back old faces and prepping our lifesaving equipment ready for action. It’s an exciting time and we’re looking forward to getting out on patrol and helping to keep the public safe.’
Last year, RNLI lifeguards in Norfolk dealt with 684 incidents, rescued 55 people and saved 8 lives. On the first day of 2015’s summer season, brand new lifeguard Becky Cooper, a local mum of two, helped rescue a man caught in a strong current, just hours in to her first day of work. Read the story here.
Vincent 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
Notes to editors
RNLI lifeguards will patrol 16 beaches in Norfolk and Suffolk throughout the summer. These are Wells, Sheringham West, Sheringham East, West Runton, East Runton, Cromer East, Cromer West, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Lowestoft North, Lowestoft South, Southwold North and Southwold South.
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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