RNLI Lifeguards at Camber Sands teach beach safety to teenagers

Lifeguard Supervisor Leon and Senior Lifeguard Dan welcomed some pupils of the school to the beach alongside representatives from Rother District Council Coastal Office who work closely with the RNLI lifeguards on the beaches of East Sussex.

Alongside safety advice, the teens were shown the equipment that the lifeguards use to rescue people in trouble at sea, such as the rescue boards. Also on show was the rescue water craft that is used to reach people who have been swept further out to sea.

A demonstration on how to ‘Float to Live’ saw the teens joining in and practising their technique.

The lifeguards explained the importance of:

- Holding on to a flotation device if you have one OR lying on your back with your arms and legs outstretched

- Remaining calm and controlling your breathing

- Shouting for help and raising your hand once you feel able

Key safety advice was given to the pupils and the lifeguards explained the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags so that they can be seen by the lifeguards if they get in trouble.

The RNLI lifeguards are expecting a summer busier than ever this year with the rise in ‘staycations’. Beaches like Camber Sands often see tens of thousands of people at one time and so the lifeguards encourage people to prepare for a beach visit by following the RNLI’s safety advice: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

Hugh Richardson, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for East Sussex, says: ‘We are expecting a very busy summer and so being able to teach beach safety to those most likely to visit the beaches is so important to us. We would always encourage people to choose a lifeguarded beach so that there are lifeguards on patrol to help if needed.’

Notes to editors

· For information on where to find an RNLI lifeguarded beach: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

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