RNLI lifeguards return to Sedgemoor’s beaches this weekend
RNLI Lifeguards are back on Sedgemoor District Council-managed beaches in Somerset this weekend in preparation for what is set to be a busy summer thanks to the UK’s recent heat-wave.
On Saturday (7th July) RNLI lifeguards will be returning to Sedgemoor beaches: Burnham-on- Sea and Berrow, to begin their full time safety patrols. They will be on the beaches daily from 10am till 6pm. The lifeguards will be on induction training for a couple of weeks before the start of their season and have already been out and about to 19 local schools to make sure that local children know about beach safety. In total, they’ve spoken to 4,500 children ahead of the summer season.
The RNLI Lifeguards will provide an additional service at Burnham and Berrow Beaches alongside the Sedgemoor-employed Beach Wardens between 7th July and 9th September. All beach users are urged to follow safety signage and listen to any advice and warning information issued by Sedgemoor’s Beach Wardens or the RNLI Lifeguards – the staff are there to ensure your safety.
Luke Penman, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: ‘All our lifeguards are very much looking forward to returning to Sedgemoor beaches this summer.
‘We encourage those thinking of a trip to the coast over the summer months to always visit a lifeguarded beach and if you’re heading into the sea please respect the water and swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been designated as the safest swimming areas by lifeguards.
‘RNLI lifeguards are fully trained in all aspects of beach safety, so if you have any questions please approach a lifeguard who will be more than happy to help or offer expert advice.
‘If you find yourself or anyone else in trouble please raise your hand and call for help. It is very important that you don’t try and attempt the rescue yourself – the situation could easily turn and you could find yourself in trouble too. RNLI lifeguards will come to your assistant; or if something happens outside of the lifeguarding hours phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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
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