Head to a lifeguarded beach as warm weather predicted
With temperatures set to rise in the next few days, many people are likely to head to the coast to enjoy the warm weather. The RNLI is urging people to stay safe and to head to a lifeguarded beach.
Although it is early in the year, RNLI Lifeguards are patrolling a variety of beaches around the UK and will be welcoming visitors to the coast, and will be on hand to offer safety advice.
The RNLI is encouraging anyone visiting the coast to head to a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguarded beaches provide much greater safety for sunbathers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Steve Instance, Community Safety Partner for the RNLI, “While we are all looking forward to some spring-like weather, we’d like to remind people that the conditions around the coast can change quickly and still be challenging, and should you go in the water intentionally or unintentionally, the sea is extremely cold at this time of year making cold water shock a real danger.
“We want people to enjoy the coastline and therefore urge people to respect the water and take extra care when visiting the coast, by taking some basic precautions. Plan your activity – check the weather and tide conditions before going to sea, and make sure your equipment is all in working order.
“Carry a means of calling for help should something go wrong, know your capabilities and make sure you wear the necessary safety equipment for your chosen activity. To find out how you can stay safe while enjoying your water activity, visit rnli.org/safety.”
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 protective kit such as a shirt, sunglasses or a cap.
To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
Notes to editors
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Lifeguards are on the following beaches on full season: Boscombe East, Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West, Sandbanks, Fistral, Porth Meor, Sennen, Croyde, Crosby.
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Currently weekends until full season: Le Braye, Bantham, Praa Sands, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan, Porth, Porthtowan, Perranporth, Gwithian, Hayle Towans, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Summerleaze, Woolacombe, West Kirby, Harrison Drive, The Plateaux, New Brighton, Portrush East, Portrush West, Portrush West Harbour, White Rocks
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For more information please contact the RNLI Press Office 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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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.