RNLI lifeguards issue safety warning ahead of the Sunderland airshow

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Sandy Kerr said ‘The Sunderland Airshow is always extremely busy, we will be stationed at Seaburn, Cat and Dogs and Roker beach to provide assurance and help keep the public safe. Emergency services will also be on hand to offer assistance with missing children, public safety and crowd control and we look forward to working with them.'

He also added ‘It is important that the public are aware of the dangers of entering the water and are prepared before attending the event. Always make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags and ensure that you’re on a lifeguarded beach. Cold water shock is a dangerous situation the public might find themselves in. We advise the public read our Respect the Water advice online’.

Sunderland City Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said ‘Our community safety partners at the RNLI do a fantastic job in our city, raising awareness of very important water safety messages and providing a re-assuring presence on our beaches for all those out enjoying themselves in the sea.

It’s easy sometimes to forget the possible dangers so please be careful, and ask one of the lifeguards for advice if you have any concerns.The Sunderland Airshow is a great occasion, and it’s the support of community partners such as the RNLI which help make it possible for us to stage this and other events.’

Notes to editors

• Sandy Kerr is available throughout the Airshow for interviews/media enquires. If you would like to arrange a meeting with Sandy please contact: [email protected]

• The RNLI is the charity that 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 over 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 142,700 lives.

• As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week. Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information contact:

Kate Driver, RNLI Regional Media Engagement on 07486872956 or email at [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or email at [email protected]

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.