RNLI lifeguards patrol the UK’s beaches as hot weather returns
With temperatures set to rise over the next couple of days many people are likely to head to the coast to enjoy the forecasted warm weather. The RNLI is urging people to stay safe and head to a lifeguarded beach.
Despite it being September and towards the end of the summer season RNLI lifeguards will still be patrolling 76 beaches this week and will be welcoming visitors to the coast. They are encouraging anyone visiting the coast to head to a lifeguarded beach, as they provide much greater safety for sunbathers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Operations Manager for Lifeguards, Brett Shepherd, said:
“With a forecast of sun and warm weather, hopefully people will head down to the coast to enjoy some of our wonderful beaches.
“We’d urge anyone planning on visiting a beach to check local information in advance and head to a lifeguarded beach. Before setting out, check tide times, read local safety signs or ask a lifeguard to tell you the times of high and low water.
“Swimmers should ensure that they respect the water and swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark out the safest area to swim and are patrolled by lifeguards. Please take heed of the safety signage and any advice offered by the lifeguards on duty.
‘By highlighting the dangers before visitors arrive at the beach, we hope that we can avoid potential incidents and everyone can enjoy their time on the beach safely.
The RNLI is also advising people to enjoy the sun safely by making sure they apply sunscreen generously, one with at least a factor 15, spend time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest between 11am-3pm and by wearing protectively kit such as a shirt, sunglasses or a cap.
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Notes to Editor:
RNLI lifeguarded beaches this week
Southbourne,Fisherman’s Walk, Boscombe East, Boscombe West, Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West, Durley Chine, Alum Chine, Branksome Chine, Shore Road, Sandbanks,Weymouth, St Ouen’s, Le Braye, Watersplash, Plemont, Greve de Lecq, St Brelades, Bantham, Sedgewell Cove, Challaborough, Tregonhawke, Sharrow , Tregantle, Portreath, Poldhu Cove, Praa Sands, Gyllyngvase, Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, St Agnes, Perranporth, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithian, Upton Towans, Beach View, Mexico Towans, Hayle Towans , Beach View, Mexico Towans, Hayle Towans, Porthminster, Porthmeor, Gwenver, Sennen, Porthcurno, Crantock, Fistral, Towan, Great, Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthcothan, Treyarnon, Constantine, Booby’s, Harlyn, Trevone, Polzeath, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Crooklets, Sandymouth, Westward Ho!, Sandymere, Croyde, Woolacombe, Aberdour Silver Sands,Crosby, Trecco Bay
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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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