Emergency services visit Bude RNLI lifeguards
RNLI lifeguards were joined by the Bude Coastguard Rescue Team, Devon and Cornwall Police and the Harzardous Area Response team (HART) on Friday (5 May).
During the RNLI lifeguard induction training the team were joined by three different emergency agencies to discover more about their roles and the specialist equipment they carry in order to provide their services to the local community. The lifeguards had the opportunity to get hands on during the day, including involvement in potential real life scenarios such as resuscitation, ambulance hand overs and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ahead of the main lifeguard season start date on Saturday 13 May, Bude’s Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, Tim Fallowfield said:
‘This was a fantastic opportunity for our main season induction team in Bude. We were grateful to each of the emergency teams involved in joining us for the afternoon session.
‘The increased knowledge and connections we have made with them are incredibly important, particularly with the upcoming main lifeguard season resuming this weekend. As always, we urge people to head to an RNLI lifeguarded beach and speak to the lifeguards to find out the local risks, tides and weather conditions.’
The RNLI highly recommends people to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned, and always have a means of calling for help.
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
· Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.
· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
· In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
· A photo of the main season lifeguards and emergency teams at Summerleaze Beach, Bude. (Credit: Tim Fallowfield)
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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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