RNLI releases safety warning ahead of mini heatwave

The Met Office is forecasting that the UK is set to experience hot weather over the next few days with temperatures predicted to reach 27C on Monday with dry and sunny weather.

As the warm weather approaches, the lifesaving charity is reminding the public how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

The charity’s lifeguard service is set to end on many beaches across the UK, so it is incredibly important that beach and coastal visitors know how to keep safe.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.

However, if you are unable to visit a lifeguarded beach, the key RNLI safety advice is:

• If you get into trouble, 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
• Check the weather and tide times before heading out
• Be aware of local hazards and check danger warning signage

An RNLI spokesperson said: ‘Many of us will be looking forward to enjoying some late summer sun before we head into autumn but it’s so important we know how to keep ourselves and our families safe.

‘We urge people to be aware of the dangers of the coast and what to do in an emergency. The RNLI’s Float to Live technique has helped to save lives this summer. If you get into difficulty, lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about. Once you’ve steadied your breathing, call for help.

'If you get into difficulty in the water or sport someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

For beach safety advice visit: RNLI.org/BeachUK2021 and to help save lives, please donate via GoDonate/RNLI.

Notes to Editor

• Interview with RNLI Water Safety Leads available upon request.
• Lifeguard rescue footage available for download here: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2021/august/26/rnli-warning-ahead-of-bank-holiday-weekend-as-teenagers-rescued

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.