Busy Month for Blackpool RNLI Volunteers
June has been a very busy month for Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers who have been called out on 11 occasions since the 3rd June. As the warm weather looks set to continue the charity has issued safety advice to beach goers to ensure everyone enjoys the beach safely.
In the last four weeks Blackpool’s RNLI lifeboats have launched to people in inflatables drifting out to sea, swimmers in difficulty, a person who had jumped into the sea from South Pier and a range of other casualties in need of assistance. The number and variety of casualties shows just how easy it is to get into difficulty during a day out at the beach so it’s important to Respect the Water and enjoy the hot weather safely.
Around 190 people die in UK and Irish waters each year, and over half never even planned to enter the water. Respect the Water is the RNLI’s drowning prevention campaign. It highlights the risks, advises how to avoid danger and increases the chances of survival in an emergency situation.
This year, we’re asking the public to help us to save more lives by sharing some simple survival skills: if you find yourself in the water unexpectedly, fight your instincts and float until the effects of cold water shock pass.
There are also lots of other ways you can keep yourself safe at the beach; always go to a lifeguarded beach and seek safety advice from the lifeguards on duty, check the weather forecast and tide times before you head to the beach, keep an eye on your surroundings and the direction of the tide at all times and always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you get into difficulty or see anything that gives you cause for concern.
Phil Denham a volunteer at Blackpool RNLI Lifeboat Station said ‘we know the weather is brilliant at the moment and people are keen to enjoy the beach, however, we would encourage everyone to have fun safely and follow the beach safety code. If you would like to learn more about beach safety you can visit www.rnli.org/safety/beach-safety or https://www.respectthewater.com
You can also meet RNLI Blackpool volunteers and get practical advice and information at two events this summer. Volunteer lifeboat crewmembers will be giving out beach safety advice and inviting people to take part in RNLI themed fun and games at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on Sunday 29th July 2018 and will also be hosting a free Family Fun Day at the Lifeboat Station from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 4th August.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Esther Lowe Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Blackpool on 01253 508603 or 07917091948.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.