Staithes and Runswick RNLI supporting World Drowning Prevention Day

Andy Monaghan, Water Safety Officer for Staithes and Runswick RNLI, is running several drop-in sessions during the day on behalf of the charity. Demonstrating “talk, reach, throw” (including how to use throw bags) and the Float to Live advice.

To the younger audience specific advice is being given about what to do in an emergency – to ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Advice pertinent to the coastline at Staithes and the surrounding area is also being taught, particularly advice about checking tides times and the potential for tidal cut off, the hazards posed by cliffs and rock falls and furthermore the importance of letting someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back.

The key summer safety advice to remember is:

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• If you get into trouble in the water Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
• Call 999 in a coastal emergency and ask for the Coastguard

Nick Ayers, water safety expert, said: ‘Our main advice is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 245 beaches this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.

‘We want people to enjoy the coast but urge everyone to think about their own safety, take time to familiarise yourself with our advice and to share this with your friends and family.’

RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the Teesside, East Cleveland and North Yorkshire are:

• Redcar
• Saltburn
• Runswick Bay
• Sandsend
• Whitby
• Scarborough North Bay and Scarborough South Bay
• Cayton Bay
• Filey

These beaches are all patrolled daily until 3 September 2023 between 10am-6pm.

The sessions are proving popular with those visiting the village. Andy Monaghan, Water Safety Officer said: ‘As the summer holidays are underway we welcome you to visit the seaside and enjoy our special coastlines safely. Our RNLI lifeboats and their volunteer crews are always on call and our RNLI lifeguard teams will watch over you on your visit. If you are in difficulties or see someone else in trouble phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Notes to Editors

Further water safety drop in sessions are planned and can be arranged to be delivered as part of events and school visits to the lifeboat station. Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat’s Water Safety Officer can be contacted via [email protected]

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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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