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Busy weekend for the RNLI volunteer crews at Blackpool Lifeboat Station

Lifeboats News Release

The soaring temperatures this weekend (10 and 11 June) brought holidaymakers to the coastal resort of Blackpool. The RNLI volunteers were called out seven times over the weekend

Two lifeboat crew in full gear, on the lifeboat out on the water, with Blackpool beach and tower in the background

RNLI

Blackpool RNLI volunteers in action

During the last three days, the volunteer crew have been extremely busy, being called out to people in difficulty swimming and inflatables being blown out to sea. These incidents provide a timely reminder of the potential dangers at the coast and on the beach. Due to the fast response from our crews, all the casualties were safe and well.

Colin Lowe, volunteer Helm from Blackpool RNLI said:

‘It was a busy weekend for all the crew and would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone not to use inflatables in the sea. Although they can be fun, inflatables are best used in swimming pools rather than on beaches where they can easily be blown out to sea, especially in offshore winds like this weekend.’

He added:

‘Two of our lifeboats launched on Saturday and found themselves going in different directions to assist different casualties. If anyone finds themselves in difficulty in the water, our advice is to float on your back. Please keep an eye on your family and friends, and if you see anything that gives you any cause for concern then please phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

With assistance and thanks to Lytham and Fleetwood Coastguard teams and Blackpool Beach Patrol and lifeguards.

For more information on how to float if you find yourself in difficulty in the water, head to the RNLI website https://rnli.org/safety/float

Notes to editors

· Photo credits: RNLI

· The station is home to one B-Class Atlantic 85 and two D-Class inshore Lifeboats


RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone

Steve Fitzgerald, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

on 07308 255949 or [email protected]

Simon Hoole, RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer

on 07843 411233 or [email protected]


Two lifeboat crew in full gear, on the lifeboat out on the water, with Blackpool pier off to the right

RNLI

Blackpool RNLI volunterrs in action

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.

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