Information that could 'save your life' in Norfolk

The RNLI Community Safety Team, with all the other organisations, were giving out information that 'could save your life' when around water. The aim was not to stop people from having fun in the water but to do it in a safe way. It has been heart breaking to hear of the number of deaths from drowning in the past few days.

So all the agencies were giving out the same message:

On the beach always swim where there are lifeguards on duty; if this is not possible then never swim by yourself, always have someone on the beach who has a mobile phone or other means of getting help. If people are in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard who will get help to you.

Near inland waterways the advice is to not jump into these as you are not aware of what is under the water, i.e. weeds metal objects, posts or how deep the water is and how strong the currents are. Again if you see anyone in trouble then call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as they know where all the resources are that can get to you quickly, as well as Fire, Police and Ambulance.

If you fall unexpectedly into water:

1. Fight your instinct to thrash around

2. Lean back, extend your arms and legs

3. If you need to, gently move them around to help you float

4. Float until you can control your breathing

5. Only then call for help or swim to safety

If you intend to go to the beach or rivers / inland waters then go on the internet to find out as much information as you can, check tide times, where lifeguards operate, supervised places to swim inland.

Being at Richardsons Boat Yard was great as Saturdays are change-over day so not only did the team have locals to see but holiday makers, some of whom were on the broads for the first time, so they were able to reinforce Richardson's advice on lifejackets and boat safety along with advice on how to keep their pets safe as well.

Robert Mann, Community Safety Officer RNLI, said: 'It was great to be able to talk to so many people and for all agencies giving out the same information and working so well together. We like to see people come to Norfolk and have fun on and in the water, but it is even better if they don’t need our services. Come and enjoy yourself and return home with fantastic memories not sad ones.'

The RNLI has its Respect the Water pages at: www.rnli.org.uk/safety full of useful information on all sorts of water activities, telling of the dangers and how to be safe, with advice on how to enjoy yourself safely.

The RNLI Coummunity Safety Team will be at Happisburgh RNLI Lifeboat Day on 4 August 2019, midday til 4pm, Cart Gap, Happisburgh. The team hopes people will come along, have fun and learn more about how to enjoy water safely.

RNLI Media contacts

· Happisburgh Lifeboat Station Volunteer Press Officer PHILIP SMITH,

Mobile 07766007936, E-mail [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.