RNLI issue beach safety reminder ahead of bank holiday weekend

RNLI lifeguards are patrolling every day from 10am-6pm at beaches across the UK. The summer holidays, upcoming long weekend and nice weather, mean the beaches will attract more people.

RNLI lifeguards will always position the red and yellow flags in the safest area of the beach for swimming. This is also where the lifeguards are actively patrolling and can quickly spot you if you do get into difficulty.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead says:

‘We want people to enjoy the bank holiday and stay safe, meaning they need to be aware of the dangers so they can take the steps to minimise the risks.

‘We always advise people to visit a lifeguarded beach where possible – but we also appreciate people will be out on the coast where lifeguards are not present. Having the correct safety equipment for your chosen activity, checking the tide times and reading local safety signage – are all key steps you can take to minimise risk.’

A common rescue for RNLI lifeguards is to people caught in rip currents. Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can become more powerful in larger surf. They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.

‘Our rip current advice is the same whether you are at a lifeguarded beach or not.

‘If you find yourself caught in a rip current don’t fight against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade back to shore, or swim parallel to the beach until you’re free of the current, then return to the beach.

‘Alternatively, if you can’t do either of those or are becoming exhausted – Float to Live to preserve your energy and then wave and shout for help.’

If you ever see anyone in difficulty on the coast, alert the lifeguards or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach at: Find Your Nearest RNLI Lifeguarded Beaches.

RNLI Float to Live advice:

· Tilt your head back, submerging your ears

· Relax and control your breathing

· Move your hands and legs around to help you stay afloat

· Your legs may sink, that’s ok – we all float differently

· Practice swimming at a supervised location like a swimming pool.

RNLI advice if caught in a rip current:

· Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted

· If you can stand, wade don’t swim

· If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore

· Always raise your hand and shout for help

· If your struggling, conserve your energy and Float to Live.

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please contact RNLI Regional Communications Manager, Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, on [email protected] / 07977 728 315. For out of hours enquiries please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789

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 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 146,700 lives.

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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.