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RNLI in the North West offers safety advice ahead of bank holiday weekend

Lifeguards News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is offering safety advice to those visiting the North West’s coast this bank holiday weekend and encouraging people to visit a lifeguarded beach.

RNLI/Nigel Millard

Sefton RNLI Lifeguards on patrol

The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning on heading to the coast to enjoy this weekend to do so safely, by visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches along the north west’s coast this bank holiday from 10am-6pm:

In Sefton: Southport, Ainsdale, Formby and Crosby

In the Wirral: New Brighton, Plateaux, Harrison Drive, Moreton and West Kirby

Andy Jordan, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Sefton said:

‘We strongly encourage anyone planning to go in the sea this weekend to visit one of the lifeguarded beaches.

‘Lifeguards set up the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and black and white chequered flags indicate an area monitored by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks.

‘If you see a red flag flying, the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as dangerous, and we recommend that you do not enter the water.

‘If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards. We’re a friendly bunch and are always happy to offer advice.’

After the bank holiday weekend, some patrols extend to full time whilst others remain as weekend-only patrols.

In Sefton, Ainsdale and Crosby will be patrolled full time (every day from 10am-6pm). Southport and Formby will continue to be patrolled only on weekends until 25 May.

On the Wirral New Brighton, Plateaux, Harrison Drive, Moreton and West Kirby will continue to be patrolled only on weekends until 25 May.

Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead for the North West said:

‘We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely. We encourage people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

‘Whilst out on the coast, if find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, remember to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live.

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid. If in doubt, call it in as it’s always better safe than sorry.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

· Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

· Relax and try to breathe normally

· Move your hands around to help you stay afloat

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

· Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches - Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)

Media Contacts

For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement [email protected] or 07977468268. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office [email protected] or 01202336789.

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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