Donate now

RNLI in the south west urge public to stay safe ahead of Storm Ciarán

Lifeboats News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers as Storm Ciarán is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the south west from Wednesday evening.

Tim Stevens

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds, with winds forecast to reach more than 80mph in coastal locations along the south coast of England, with some exposed areas seeing 90mph gusts. The weather warning is in force from 6pm on Wednesday 1 November and all of Thursday 2 November.

The RNLI is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the coast, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Steve Instance, Regional Water Safety Lead said:

‘Each year, around 150 people tragically lose their lives in UK and Irish waters, more than half of whom never planned on entering the water in the first place. The risk of this happening is obviously much higher during storm conditions.

‘Although it might appeal to go out and experience the extreme weather, due to the extremely high winds forecasted, we strongly advise against doing so. Stay a safe distance away from cliff edges, piers and waterfronts.

‘In many places the surf this week and through the weekend will almost certainly be large and extremely dangerous. Please do not risk your life in order to take photos and keep well back from the water’s edge on beaches where storm surges can travel hundreds of meters in seconds. Stay dry this week and stay safe.

‘If you find yourself or see anyone else in danger along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Never put yourself at risk by trying to help someone in difficulty, staying safe and calling for help is your best option.’

The RNLI advice is:

  • Stay well back from stormy seas and cliff edges.
  • Check tide times before you go.
  • Take a phone with you.
  • In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Media Contacts

For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement [email protected] on 07890066217 or contact Emma Haines Regional Media Officer [email protected] on 07786668847.

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.