RNLI lifeguards remind beachgoers to stay safe over the bank holiday

The RNLI is encouraging beachgoers to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags where it is safest.

The charity’s lifeguards also urge members of the public not to take inflatables into the sea as they can be pulled out from shore within seconds.

For people participating in a water sport or activity, the advice is to be prepared and aware of your environment. Remember to look for hazards in the area, go with someone instead of going alone, check the weather forecast and tide times before setting out. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and think about what suitable clothing to wear, such as a wet or dry suit, for expected weather conditions.

Nick Ayers, RNLI Water Safety Lead, North and East of England, said: ‘If you are launching a watercraft such as a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) on a lifeguarded beach, make sure you launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags.

‘Keep an eye out for the orange windsock on lifeguarded beaches, this signals that no inflatables should be taken out to sea due to offshore winds.

‘Our lifeguards will be on duty between 10am and 6pm over the weekend to offer friendly advice and medical assistance if needed.’

The RNLI’s lifeguards ask that anyone visiting the beach this weekend remember the Float to Live technique which will help people to stay afloat if they get into trouble in the water. The advice is as follows:

-Tilt your head back with ears submerged

-Relax and try to control your breathing

-Move your hands to help you stay afloat

-Once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety

In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard or, if you are inland, ask for the fire and rescue service.

For beach safety information and tips, please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety.

For further information on Float to Live, go to: https://rnli.org/safety/float.

RNLI Picture caption

The photograph shows An RNLI lifeguard monitoring the beach. Photo credit: Erik Woolcott.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Toni Carr, RNLI Media Engagement Placement on 07890 402106 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.