
RNLI urges public to stay safe ahead of Storm Éowyn
Ahead of Storm Éowyn which is set to bring wet and very windy weather starting tomorrow (Thursday) night, the RNLI is urging those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.
The strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially dangerous and uncertain conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea or water. A visit during weather conditions such as these is not worth risking your life for.
'If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as 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 Coast Guard / Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.’
The RNLI's safety advice is:
- Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas, cliff edges and any exposed waterside location
- Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
- Take a fully charged phone with you and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back
- In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard / Coastguard
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RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 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.
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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.