RNLI teams up with Bangor University to launch social media tidal survey
In light of the stark figures which reveal 30M people are planning to hit the UK coast this summer, the RNLI in Wales is working with Bangor University to better understand people’s knowledge of tides and associated coastal risks.
Today an online seven-day survey will be launched on Twitter in a bid to help the lifesaving charity assess people’s knowledge of coastal risk.
RNLI statistics for Wales show people enjoying a walk and getting cut off by the tide caused almost 10% of all RNLI lifeboat launches over the last decade - more than double the UK average. Lifeguards rescue hundreds more stranded people every year.
Today, the RNLI in association with experts at Bangor University will launch an online survey to gain a better understanding of people’s perceptions of risk at the coast.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for Wales says:
‘The RNLI is thrilled to be working collaboratively with Bangor University, benefiting from the insights of ocean science and research experts to build a picture of people’s knowledge. We’ve devised a very simply social media survey and would be most grateful to anyone who could spare just a few seconds to complete the survey. The results will help us to explore why people are getting into trouble and identify any gaps in knowledge and work on the most effective interventions.
‘With uncertainty over foreign holidays and international travel, the RNLI is predicting this summer will be the busiest ever on the Welsh coast, as Covid restrictions are eased and people choose to ‘staycation’. Anything we can do to build a boost people’s knowledge of risks, can only be positive. We look forward to continuing this exciting working relationship with Bangor University and are incredibly grateful for their help and support.’
Dr Martin Austin, Senior Lecturer in Ocean Sciences at Bangor University says:
‘This collaborative survey with the RNLI is an exciting first step for us to gain some insight into people’s knowledge of the risks posed by the tides that are key a feature of our coasts. A key challenge for us as scientists is to ensure that we communicate at the appropriate level for our audience. The results of this survey will enable us to focus our science and develop with the RNLI the most effective means to help people stay safe at the coast.’
To help us to keep people safe on the coast, the survey which takes less than one minute to complete is available here: https://twitter.com/RNLI/status/1402928521740177410
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Notes to editors:
For more information, please contact RNLI Media Manager for Wales, the West and the Isle of Man Danielle Rush on 07786 668829.
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