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Local cafes at Holland-On-Sea support the RNLI

Lifeguards News Release

Two cafes located on the beach at Holland-On-Sea are flying an RNLI windsock to keep beachgoers in their local area safe.

The RNLI orange windsock flying outside The Beach Haven Cafe

RNLI/Derry Salter

The RNLI orange windsock flying outside The Beach Haven Cafe

The orange windsock says ‘No Inflatables’ and is the latest move in a bid to keep beachgoers safe.

RNLI Water Safety Volunteer Dave Smith decided to partner up with two local cafes: Flags and The Beach Haven.

The two businesses are now flying the orange windsock whenever the wind is blowing offshore to prevent beachgoers from taking their inflatables into the water.

Last year, the charity’s lifeguards aided 814 people who found themselves in trouble in and around the water in the East of England. Inflatables are a key factor in most emergencies as they are not designed for open water. It takes a small breeze for inflatables to swept out to sea and people can quickly find themselves out of their depth.

Liam Fayle-Parr, RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support, thanked the two cafes for assisting the charity: ‘We are beyond happy that two local cafes are supporting the RNLI. It’s great that Flags and The Beach Haven are taking responsibility and informing beachgoers of the dangers of inflatables.

However, we do still encourage all beachgoers to choose a lifeguarded beach this summer so our lifeguard team, who undertake daily patrols, will be around to help should you find yourself in any trouble.’

To become part of the RNLI local ambassador scheme and educate beachgoers, local businesses can visit: https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities/rnli-local-ambassador

For more information on staying safe in and around the water, please visit: RNLI Beach Safety – Top Five Tips To Stay Safe By The Sea

Notes to editors

Water Safety Delivery Support Liam Fayle-Parr is available for interview.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Derry Salter, RNLI Media Engagement Placement on: 07890 402106 or email: [email protected]

Or, the RNLI Press Office available 24/7 on: 01202 336789 or email: [email protected]


RNLI/Derry Salter

The RNLI orange windsock flying at Flags Cafe on Holland-On-Sea beach

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.