RNLI urge public to follow safety advice as warm temperatures expected at Easter

This Bank Holiday weekend could see temperatures at their warmest so far this year across most of the UK and Ireland and many are expected to head to coastal locations. With settled conditions forecast, RNLI lifesavers are preparing for what could be a busy period.

The RNLI are reminding those considering visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and if venturing into the water, to swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards have been preparing for the start of their season and Easter, and this Easter will be patrolling 53 beaches, increasing to more than 240 in the height of summer.

Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager, said: ‘We are reminding anyone visiting the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following safety advice.

‘For those who are venturing into the water, the risk of cold water shock is still a danger at this time of year as water temperatures around the UK average at 10 degrees.

‘For those enjoying other coastal activities this Easter our advice is to check the weather and tides, have a means of calling for help and in an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float like a starfish.

‘Every year the RNLI deal with incidents involving capsized kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and swimmers getting caught in rip currents.

‘For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.’

Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

ENDS

Notes to editors

• By Easter RNLI lifeguards will be on 53 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands. This number will increase over the coming months until more than 240 beaches are patrolled by mid-July.
• Interviews with Ross Macleod are available upon request.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Chloe Barr, National Media Engagement Placement on 07790772788 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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 RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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