South east Dorset RNLI lifeguards have a busy season
As the summer holidays continue, local lifeguards have been busy patrolling the beaches and continuing to save lives at sea.
Ninety-five percent of a lifeguard’s work is preventative, offering safety advice to all those who’ve come down to enjoy a great day at the beach.
When things do go wrong, teamwork is essential for our lifeguards. Recently the Bournemouth senior lifeguard was caught in a rip-current while rescuing two casualties by the pier. The other lifeguards on duty performed a tube rescue for the senior and the casualties, bringing all three back safely to the beach.
If you happen to get swept out in a rip current, swim to the left or right when you can and then back to shore when you’re able rather than fighting it and becoming exhausted. Shout and wave for help if you’re able so that the lifeguards can come and assist.
Kester Sheppard, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Poole, says, ‘We are tremendously proud of the work our lifeguards have been doing this season, and with another spike in temperature expected this weekend, no doubt their work will continue.
Please remember to swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags, wear sun cream and protective clothing, and please don’t bring inflatables to the beach, particularly when the orange windsock is flying.
If you see someone in distress, alert us if you can or call the Coastguard on 999 – we never mind checking out your concerns as we’d rather be able to help before something turns into a serious situation, and we don’t want you to put yourself in danger trying to help.’
Media contacts
For more information, or for interview requests, contact Julie Rainey, Regional Media Manager for London and the south east, on 07827 358 256 / [email protected] , Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296 252 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 / [email protected]
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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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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.