RNLI in the south west launch campaign as survey reveals 30M plan beach visit

for the busy summer ahead as people choose to ‘staycation’ due to continued uncertainty over foreign holidays and international travel.

A new study reveals around 30M¹ people plan to visit the UK coast this summer. In a survey², commissioned by the RNLI, 75% of those questioned - aged 16-64 - expect to visit a UK beach or the coast between April and September, with around half of that number likely to do so three or more times. In the south west, businesses are gearing up for hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region in July and August, bringing £3.5 billion into the local economy*.

Ahead of what is anticipated to be a busy Bank Holiday weekend (29 May-1 June) and half-term holidays, the RNLI and HM Coastguard are launching a new safety campaign, urging everyone to choose lifeguarded beaches when they visit the coast.

Steve Instance, RNLI’s Water Safety Lead for the South West says;

‘Last summer, RNLI lifeguards patrolling beaches across the south west recorded nearly 9M³ visitors. We know the south west is a popular destination for those holidaying at home and with many accommodation providers reporting being at capacity for the summer, we are expecting this year to be the busiest ever.

‘These new figures back that up. We want people to enjoy the region’s spectacular coastline abut urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety and know what to do in an emergency.

‘Our main advice is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 100 beaches** across the south west this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.

‘Coastal areas provide a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air and open space but they can be an unpredictable and dangerous environment, particularly during early summer when air temperatures start warming up but water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock.’

Rhian Cleverly, a semi-professional footballer and novice surfer was grateful to have heeded the RNLI’s advice and was on a lifeguarded beach when she became caught on a rip current when learning to surf. She says;

‘We knew the safest option was to go to a lifeguarded beach, so we went to Crantock and headed in the water. We made sure we went in together as a group and we were having lots of fun. But quite quickly we realised we were drifting right away from the flagged area and further out to sea – the strength of the current was so strong, it was scary how within minutes we were out of our depth and a real distance from where we entered the water. There was no hope of us paddling against the current.

Thankfully, within minutes the lifeguards had spotted us and come to our aid. Greg was so calm and helpful, he paddled me back to safety and gave me some extra advice for beginners, to always stay between the black and white flags and to stand up with my feet on the seabed whilst waiting for waves. I am so grateful we chose to head to a lifeguarded beach otherwise that situation could have escalated and quickly become a lot more dangerous.’

The key summer safety advice is:

· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

· If you get into trouble remember: Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about

· Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard

Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, said: ‘2020 was an exceptionally busy year and we’re expecting more people to take their holidays around our wonderful coasts this summer.

‘We’re asking everyone to follow a few simple safety tips, so the trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

‘Before setting out, take a minute to check the weather, tides and winds to help avoid getting caught out.

‘Leave inflatables at home as they are designed for the pool, not open water, where the wind and current can very quickly take you out to sea and into danger.

‘Recreational watersports such as paddleboarding are now incredibly popular and we’d encourage everyone to make it a fun rather than frightening experience.

‘It pays to prepare and taking a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch when you set out for a paddle will mean you can call for help if needed.

‘If you or someone else is in trouble, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Not everyone who finds themselves in trouble in the water, expected to even get wet through.

‘In a normal year, around 140 people lose their lives accidentally at the coast and we know that more than half of those never intended to be in the water,’ added Steve Instance

‘If you find yourself in trouble in cold water, your natural reaction can be to panic and thrash around, which increases the chances of breathing in water and drowning. The best thing to do is to float on your back and wait for the effects of cold water shock to pass until you can control your breathing. You can then plan your next move to reach safety.’

Devon and Cornwall Police are also supporting the campaign, Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said;

‘Drowning is one of the world’s most preventable, neglected and pressing public health issues.

That is why we work with the RNLI on their long running water and beach safety campaigns to encourage people to better understand the risks around water safety and to take sensible precautions.’

For further information on the beach safety campaign visit: RNLI.org/BeachUK2021

A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

Notes to editors:

· ¹ Office for National Statistics: 2019 UK population aged 16-64 was 41.7M

· ² Basis Research, RNLI Water Safety Survey, April 2021. Representative sample of 1,007 adults aged 16-64

· *South West Tourism Alliance

· ³ RNLI 2020 Lifeguard statistics

· The south west region covers from Bristol round to Weymouth and includes the Channel Islands

· **RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling 55 beaches around the south west under contract from local authorities and landowners. Five more beaches will be patrolled from Saturday, bringing the total to 60 beaches around the region for beach goers to choose from. From July 10 30 more beaches will have RNLI lifeguard cover, with a total of 90 beaches across the region at peak summer.

· In 2020, RNLI lifeguards in the south west saved 56 lives, aided 9,179 people, responded to 6,287 incidents, and made performed over 1.2 million actions that would have prevented many more incidents, such as moving flags to a safer location, providing beach safety advice, tidal cut off advice, rip current warnings.

· To support the RNLI’s lifesavers, go to: RNLI.org/GoDonate

Media contacts

For more information, please contact Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 07920 818807 or [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on 07902 975993 or [email protected] Alternatively, contact the press office on 01202 336789 or [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 142,700 lives.

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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.