RNLI lifeguard season in Weymouth and West Dorset draws to a close

This summer was one of the busiest ever for RNLI lifeguards, who have been working on the beaches responding to incidents in the water, providing casualty care and helping locate lost children, as well as carrying out preventative actions stopping many more incidents occurring.

Weymouth and West Bay beaches in Dorset will see their last day of lifeguard patrols for the year this Sunday (27 September). With no lifeguard service in operation from Sunday after 6pm, the public are being urged by the charity to take extra care when visiting the beach.

Alice Higgins, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for Weymouth says,

‘Those still wanting to use the beaches in Dorset can help keep themselves safe. Know your limits and don’t push beyond them, as that’s when you can get into danger. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach, and understand the local hazards.

Always check the conditions and tide times and never enter the water alone. Keep a close eye on your friends and family and if you ever see anyone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you fall into the water unexpectedly remember, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float. If you can call for help and try and get someone’s attention.’

The charity has recently launched the RNLI South West Lifeguard Appeal with the aim of raising the funds needed to train the lifeguards to carry out their vital work.

Dave Nicoll, Fundraising and Partnership Lead in the south west says,

‘RNLI lifeguards have been working extremely hard throughout spring and summer to deliver a world-class lifeguard service. If you were helped by a RNLI lifeguard this summer, or if you simply want to make a kind donation, please visit our JustGiving page. Without the generosity of your donations, they wouldn’t be able to stand on the beach keeping people safe.’

RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews have been operating alongside the lifeguards throughout summer and continue to be on call 24/7 ready to respond to emergencies when their pager goes off.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021

Notes to editors

· Please find attached an images of the 2021 West Dorset RNLI lifeguard team (credit: RNLI/Nathan Williams)

· To support the RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SW-Lifeguard-Appeal-2021

· 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

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Media Engagement Placement (south west) on [email protected] or 07902 975993, or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager on 07920 818807 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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 146,000 lives.

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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.