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RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in the North West for the Easter Holidays

Lifeguards News Release

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in the North West ahead of the Easter holidays.

RNLI/James Williams

Lifeguard on rescue board

This Friday, 29 March 2024, RNLI lifeguards will take to the beaches for the first patrols of the season. As visitors head to the coast to enjoy the Easter holidays, the RNLI recommends anyone intending to go into the water to visit a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI recently revealed that since 2001 when the RNLI began patrolling on beaches, lifeguards in the north west have attended 9,762 incidents and saved 40 lives.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches every day from 29 March – 14 April from 10am-6pm:

· New Brighton, West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive and the Plateaux

· Southport, Ainsdale, Formby and Crosby

The RNLI encourages beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguards position the flags in the safest area of the beach and patrol this area at all times. Anyone intending on intend on surfing or participating in hard craft activity, should stay between the black and white flags.

At this time of year, when the sea is at its coldest, cold water shock is a possibility. Water temperature below 15 degrees can affect breathing and movement, which often causes panic and can lead to drowning.

Anyone planning a dip is advised to wear a wetsuit, to minimise the risk of cold water shock and the carrying of a floatation device is recommended.

Lucy Tilston Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the Wirral said:

‘We’re very much looking forward to having our lifeguards back on the beach. Our team have recently gone through intensive training in preparation for the Easter Holidays.

‘Should people plan on going in the sea during the holidays, we encourage them to visit on of our patrolled beaches. We can keep an eye on you between our flags. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.

‘If you go in the sea at a non-patrolled beach, make sure you someone knows where you are at all times and that you have a means for calling for help.

‘If you find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you fall in the water unexpectedly, try to relax and float to live.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

· Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

· Relax and try to breathe normally

· Move your hands to help you stay afloat

· It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently

· Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

For more beach safety information visit: How we keep beaches safe (rnli.org)

Media Contacts

For more information, please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement [email protected] or 07977468268. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office [email protected] or 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of the 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 142,700 lives.

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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