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RNLI issues warning ahead of unseasonably hot autumn weather

Lifeboats News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people to stay safe at the coast this weekend as temperatures are expected to reach 26C.

As the mercury is set to rise to more than 10C higher than the average for October, the charity is reminding people to follow its water safety advice if they are planning to be on or near the water.

RNLI National Water Safety Partner, Samantha Hughes, said: ‘With unseasonably warm weather forecast, we want to remind people to stay safe while enjoying the coast and inland waterways.

‘Before you head out, check the tide times and weather forecast to make sure you don’t get caught out by an incoming tide if you’re walking or offshore wind if you're out paddleboarding, and always remember to take a means of calling for help.

‘As it’s outside of the summer season, not everyone will be able to access a lifeguarded beach so we’d like to remind people what to do if they find themselves struggling in the water.

‘Remember to float to live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, try to relax and breathe normally, move your hands to help you stay afloat. Control your breathing, then swim to safety or call for help. If you see someone else in danger at the coast, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

While the charity’s peak summer lifeguard service has ended, RNLI lifesavers will still be keeping people safe on 21 beaches this weekend and its lifeboat volunteers are ready to launch 24/7, 365 days a year.

To find a beach near you that is still patrolled by RNLI lifeguards, please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

The RNLI’s key safety advice for anyone visiting the coast is:

  • Before you head out, make sure it's safe. Check the tide tables and the wind direction – if you’re paddleboarding or kayaking beware of offshore winds.
  • While you're out, be aware of your surroundings and the tide's direction.
  • In an emergency call 999 or 112– if you are at sea or on the beach ask for the coastguard
  • If you do find yourself in the water unexpectedly, Float To Live: Tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, move your hands to help you stay afloat and once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety
  • More information on how to Float to Live: https://rnli.org/safety/float

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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