
RNLI urge public to stay safe ahead of yellow weather warning
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers with yellow weather warnings in place for large parts of the UK and Ireland.
The Met Office and Met Eireann are forecasting winds could reach more than 60mph in coastal locations and will be strongest across western parts of the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland from 3pm Tuesday through to 8pm Wednesday.
Lifesaving charity the RNLI, is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers. The expected strong winds will also bring heavy rain and pose a safety risk to those visiting the coast.
Throughout 2022, RNLI lifeboats launched into gale-force conditions and above more than 80 times, and in some instances, faced hurricane-force wind speeds in excess of 70mph which could create powerful seas as large as 14 metres high.
RNLI Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod said: ‘This rough weather could make visiting our coasts around the UK and Ireland treacherous and bring very dangerous sea conditions.
‘Sadly, around 150 people accidentally lose their lives around UK and Irish waters each year and over half of these people didn’t plan on ever entering the water. Slips, trips and falls can be a major factor in these kinds of incidents.
‘While people may want to experience extreme weather around the coast, we would strongly advice against doing so. It is not worth risking your life, so we strongly urge people to respect the water and watch from a safe distance.
‘If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – too many people drown trying to save others.’
The RNLI advice is:
· Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges.
· Check tide times before you go.
· Take a phone with you.
· In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
· Gale force conditions – winds above 39 mph
· Downloadable image of Porthcawl Lifeboat here.
· Downloadable soundbite from Water Safety Manager Ross Macleod here.
· The RNLI has launched our annual national fundraising campaign Mayday, taking place throughout the month of May. Please include the following link: RNLI.org/SupportMayday
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Dave Riley, RNLI National Media Officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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, 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.