RNLI lifeguards prepare for daily operations at Burnham-on-Sea and Berrow

With summer well under way and large crowds already visiting the coast, RNLI lifeguards in Somerset have been busy training with fellow lifeguards from Devon in preparation for the start of their season. Luke Penman, RNLI Lead Supervisor says,

‘Our lifeguards have been working hard in the lead up to the beaches going live. This involves completing casualty care and equipment training, as well as regular fitness tests to make sure they are ready to help keep people safe. The lifeguards will also focus on preventing incidents happening in the first place and they will spend a lot of time talking to members of the public, educating them about how to keep themselves safe whilst enjoying the beach.

‘There is a real danger of soft sand and mud at Burnham-on-Sea. We urge anyone visiting the coast to always go to a lifeguarded beach between operational hours. Take time to read and understand the local signage pointing out hazards and any areas of danger. If you do go in the water, always go between the red and yellow flags which is the safest part of the beach for swimming.’

Claire Faun from Sedgemoor District Council says,

‘All beach users are urged to follow safety signage and listen to any advice and warning information issued by Sedgemoor’s Beach Wardens and the RNLI Lifeguards, who are there to ensure your safety. RNLI lifeguards are fully trained in all aspects of beach safety, so if you have any questions please approach a lifeguard who will be more than happy to help or offer expert advice.

If you find yourself or anyone else in trouble, please raise your hand and call for help. It is very important that you don’t try and attempt the rescue yourself – the situation could easily worsen and you could find yourself in trouble too.’

If you see anyone in trouble on the coast or in the water, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

· Please find attached an image of an RNLI lifeguard watching the water. Credit: RNLI / Nick Mailer

· Follow the link to see which beaches are currently lifeguarded https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/beaches-with-lifeguards-on-patrol

· To support the RNLI’s lifesavers, go to: www.rnli.org/donate

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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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