Thanet RNLI lifeguards extend service as thousands expected at Kent festival
Now in its 6th year, the Wheels and Fins music and sports festival will take place at Joss Bay near Broadstairs from 7 – 9 September and the RNLI's lifeguards will be on patrol on the Saturday and Sunday to help ensure festival-goers stay safe.
As well as attracting bands such as Feeder and The Libertines, the festival also includes water sports, including surfing, stand-up paddle board racing and even beach yoga. RNLI lifeguards have been keeping the public safe on ten of Thanet's beaches this summer from Minnis Bay on the north coast all the way round to Ramsgate in the south. Those services are due to end on Sunday 2 September, but the lifeguards will return at Joss Bay on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September for the Wheels and Fins festival.
Festival Director and Founder Dave Melmoth said: ‘We work with the lifeguards to ensure everyone can enjoy the weekend in the best hands. All of the lifeguards down at Joss Bay are really approachable and knowledgeable.’
RNLI lifeguards are equipped to handle incidents that may occur during busy periods, undertaking varied weekly training which covers everything from casualty scenarios and first aid training, to equipment training and fitness. Nevertheless, 95% of their work is preventative in order to stop incidents before they happen and ensure visitors have the best experience on the beach.
The RNLI lifeguard service will operate from 10am – 6pm at Joss Bay throughout the Wheels and Fins weekend. Those visiting Thanet can familiarise themselves with local tide times at www.rnli.org or by speaking to a lifeguard. The RNLI would like to remind those looking to take part in water activities during Wheels and Fins Festival to stay safe and Respect the Water.
RNLI Media contacts
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Taylor Johnson, Lifeguard Press Officer (Summer 2018) for the South East 07785 296252 [email protected]
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Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
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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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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.