
RNLI Lifeguards share key water safety messaging with cold water swim group
On Sunday 8 September 13 RNLI Fife lifeguards travelled down to the Scottish borders to experience patrolling on Coldingham Bay beach. Whilst also sharing key water safety messaging with Coldingham Brave Bayers.
Our lifeguards predominantly based in Fife got to experience lifeguarding Coldingham Bay beach in Eyemouth which offered new hazards to learn.
37 Coldingham Brave Bayers who meet up regularly to swim, also joined in the morning where our lifeguards shared safety advice on cold water swimming.
18 RNLI lifeguards took part in the session which was fun, informative and the swimmers got to learn essential beach safety tips, such as how to spot rip currents, the importance of checking the tides and weather and how to float to live.
This was a great opportunity for lifeguards to experience lifeguarding in a new location and for the swimmers to learn vital safety messaging that they could use at the coast.
Lachlan Edwards, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Scotland, said:
‘It’s been great getting to bring 13 of our lifeguards who are predominantly based on our Fife beaches to come down and experience lifeguarding here. Coldingham Brave Bayers are keen cold water swimmers, so it was great to be able to share our key messages and show them how to float to live if they ever find themselves in difficulty.
We all float best in slightly different positions so your legs may naturally sink, and you may need to use your hands to scull.’
If you find yourself in difficulty in the water:
· Tilt your head back with ears submerged
· Relax and try to control your breathing
· Use your hands to help you stay afloat
· It's OK if your legs sink
Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
Ends
Notes to editor
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach and check its season dates, please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
Scottish RNLI lifeguards are still patrolling on weekends only at Silver Sands, Aberdour and Coldingham Bay until the 29 September 2024.
RNLI media contacts
Jaye Mackay, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for Scotland, 07929 673286 or [email protected]
Natasha Rusby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, 07826 900639 or [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, or 07920 365929 [email protected]
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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.
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