Sedgemoor RNLI lifeguards go live on Burnham-on-Sea and Brean beaches

Matt Whitley, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon and Somerset says:

‘We are pleased to be supporting Sedgemoor district council by providing a lifeguard service on these two beaches in Sedgemoor and encourage the public to choose either Burnham-on-Sea or Brean beach if they are planning a day out at the coast this summer.

‘Sedgemoor district council provide a beach warden service from Easter which also covers Berrow beach and we are pleased to be able to provide additional lifeguard support across two out of three beaches in the area.’

Last year (2021), RNLI lifeguards covering the south west dealt with 11,216 incidents, aided 13,664 people and saved 57 lives and the charity’s lifesavers are expecting a busy year ahead.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:

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

· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

· Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.

· 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.

· In an emergency dial 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Matt continues;

‘The RNLI have run a couple of lifeguard courses in the run up to the season and we have six lifeguards from last year returning to the beaches on Saturday (2 July).

‘The RNLI is looking to expand the lifeguard service onto all three beaches along the Burnham-on-Sea stretch for 2023 and would welcome a chat with anyone interested in finding out more. Please contact Luke Penman at [email protected] ‘

Notes to editors

- Please see attached photos of RNLI lifeguards at Burnham-on-Sea, credit Luke Penman

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

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Becky Bright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (South West) on 07929 673281 or [email protected] 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].

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

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