
RNLI urges public to stay safe during stormy new year weather
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging anyone visiting the coast to be aware of the potential dangers with high winds forecast to hit large parts of the UK.
RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews have remained on call 24/7 throughout the festive period, as well as training for whatever weather winter throws at them when the pager goes off. RNLI lifeguards also continue to patrol Crosby beach, in Merseyside 365 days a year.
Between Christmas Eve and Sunday 29 December, RNLI lifeboats around the UK and Ireland launched 43 times, including nine times on Christmas Day.
And with a Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds across the UK on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise caution at the coast.
Chris Cousens, Regional Water Safety Lead at the RNLI, said: ‘We know the predicted high winds are likely to lead to dangerous coastal conditions.
‘If you plan on visiting the coast on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, the RNLI advises you to be aware of the local risks and weather conditions.
‘If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best 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 as 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 editors
· Images RNLI crews in stormy weather can be downloaded here
· Chris Cousens is available for interview upon request
· To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Ben Williets, RNLI Press Officer on 01202 641450 or [email protected]. Alternatively, 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.