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RNLI issues water safety warning ahead of another hot weather weekend

Lifeboats News Release

With more hot weather forecast for much of the UK and Ireland this weekend, the RNLI is offering a reminder of some vital water safety advice.

The lifesaving charity is reminding anyone heading to the coast this weekend to remember:

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

· Check the weather and tide times before you go.

· If you get caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it – instead, relax and float until you are free from the rip, then swim to safety.

· If you find yourself in danger in the water, relax and float.

· If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI, says:

‘With more hot weather forecast for this weekend, no doubt many people will be heading to the coast, and inland waterways, to enjoy themselves. Tragically we have seen a number of water-related fatalities in recent weeks, so we’re urging the public to remember some water safety advice which could be life-saving.

‘When choosing a beach, always opt for a lifeguarded beach for the reassurance that you’re under the watchful eyes of trained professionals, and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.

‘Check the weather and tide times before you go – tides can go in and out very rapidly in some areas, causing people to become cut off, or quickly out of their depth – so find out the times of high and low tides before you set off.

‘Rip currents, which are channels of fast-flowing water running out to sea, can be difficult to spot and can catch out even the most confident and prepared swimmers. If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.

‘Finally, we’d like to remind people what to do in the event of an emergency. If you, yourself, are struggling in the water, relax and float until you can catch your breath – then swim to safety or call for help. If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘We sincerely hope everyone planning some leisure time in and around the water this weekend can do so enjoyably and safely.’

For further information visit RNLI.org/safety.

Notes to Editors

· Interview opportunities: Gareth Morrison, RNLI Head of Water Safety, is available for phone or online interviews on Friday 2 June between 10am and 2.30pm. Please contact the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected] to arrange to speak to Gareth.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 / [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.

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.