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RNLI urges public to stay safe as Storm Darragh hits UK and Ireland

Lifeboats News Release

This weekend, the UK and Ireland will be hit by Storm Darragh and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is asking those near the coast to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather will bring.

Four RNLI crew members facing away from the camera on board an inshore orange lifeboat in large waves. The crew are wearing white helmets, yellow drysuits and red lifejackets.

RNLI\David Edwards

West Kirby D-class lifeboat crashes through waves in rough weather.
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Amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued for wind and rain from late on Friday, covering much of the UK and Ireland, with gusts of up to 70-80mph expected on western coasts from Devon and Cornwall to southwest Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Yellow weather warnings are in force for much of the UK until early Sunday morning.

For those who plan to visit the coast, the strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Tim Doran, National Water Safety Partner said: ‘We know the predicted weather this week could lead to dangerous and uncertain conditions.

‘If you plan on visiting the coast, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.

'If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing.

‘If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.’

The RNLI's safety advice is:

  • Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
  • Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
  • Take a phone with you
  • In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
Notes to Editor:

RNLI Contact

For further details, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

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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