RNLI in the south west urge public to stay safe ahead of Storm Agnes
As Storm Agnes is set to arrive in the UK affecting large parts of the south west, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is asking those visiting the coast to be cautious.
The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning that affects large parts of the south west as heavy rain and up to 80mph winds have been forecast from midday on Wednesday lasting until Thursday morning.
The RNLI are urging those visiting the coast to exercise extreme caution, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.
Henry Irvine, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead in the south west said:
'The conditions forecast for the next few days pose significant risk to those visiting the coast.
‘We strongly advise that you do not go in the water. The risk of rip currents will be heightened by the strong winds and big swell.
‘Be aware of your surroundings whilst walking on the beach, the conditions increase the likelihood of tidal surges that could sweep you out to sea.
‘If you see anyone in difficulty along the coast, never attempt a rescue yourself as you could also end up in difficulty. Always remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
The following Cornish beaches are being patrolled daily by RNLI lifeguards (between 10am-6pm) until 6pm on Sunday 29 October; Fistral, Perranporth, Porthmeor and Sennen.
Woolacombe in Devon is being patrolled every day until 6pm on Sunday 1 October, then it will operate a weekend-only lifeguard patrol. It will return to daily lifeguard patrols during the October half-term holiday (21-29 October).
Bantham, Tregonhawke, Praa Sands, Towan, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, Porthtowan, Gwithian, Constantine, Harlyn, Polzeath, Widemouth, Croyde, Summerleaze and Le Braye (Jersey), are being patrolled only on the weekends until 21 October. They will then be patrolled every day until 29 September for the duration of the half term holiday.
The RNLI advice is:
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Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
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Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
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Take a phone with you
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In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
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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.
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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.