RNLI urges public to stay safe ahead of Storm Kathleen in the south west

25 beaches in the south west are currently patrolled by RNLI lifeguards for the Easter holidays, and the public are encouraged to choose one of these beaches if they want to visit the coast.

A yellow weather warning is in place for strong winds from 8am to 10pm on Saturday. Across exposed coastal areas in Devon and Cornwall, currently forecasts for the weekend are predicting wave heights between 10-25 feet, coupled with strong southerly winds across the region.

These conditions will likely result in a dangerous sea state and increase the risk of strong rip currents. If you see a red flag at a lifeguarded beach, do not enter the water, as it is unsafe for any water activities. If there are no flags, there are no lifeguards, and conditions might be very challenging on these non lifeguarded beaches.

Surging waves mean people could very easily get cut off by the incoming tide, or beach walkers could easily get caught out by these surges. Anyone heading to the coast is reminded of the importance of checking the tide times and ensuring they have enough time to return if they decide to venture further along the beach.

Steve Instance from the RNLI’s water safety team, says: ‘When we experience conditions such as this, especially during the school holidays when the region is busier with visitors, it is incredibly important that those heading to the coast keep themselves safe by choosing a lifeguarded beach and visiting within the patrol hours of 10am-6pm. It is likely that the conditions will change dramatically over the course of the weekend.

‘RNLI lifeguards are there to offer advice so if you are unsure about anything, make sure you ask a lifeguard. They will be able to provide information on how to stay safe.

‘Make sure you are always contactable at the coast by carrying a fully-charged mobile phone and if you get into trouble or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, please adhere to the following safety advice:

· If you have a floatation device such as a bodyboard, keep hold of it

· Swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore

· Do not try to swim against the rip current or you’ll get exhausted

· Always raise your hand and shout for help

Notes to Editors

· For interview requests, contact Emma on the number below.

· Find out which beaches are currently lifeguarded: https://rnli.org/lifeguardedbeaches

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.