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RNLI urges public to stay safe as Storm Éowyn hits UK

Lifeboats Statement

Storm Éowyn is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK this Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging those near the coast to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.

RNLI

West Kirby RNLI volunteer crew on the D class lifeboat in stormy seas.

The Met Office has issued yellow and amber weather warnings for wind and rain this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Strong winds are expected along the western and southern of Wales and England tomorrow with gusts of 50 to 60mph expected, increasing to 60 to 70mph along the coasts.

On Friday, the strong winds are expected to continue and wind warnings have now been issued to all of the UK, changing to amber for much of the UK and Northern Ireland where winds could reach 90mph along exposed cliffs. Heavy rain is also expected for south west England.

A separate yellow weather warning has been issued for Scotland and parts of northern England, with the strong winds expected to continue.

For those who plan to visit the coast during this time, 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 and piers.

South east regional Water Safety Manager, Guy Addington, 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, 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. It is not worth risking your life.

'If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, 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 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 and cliff edges
  • Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
  • Take a phone with you
  • In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
RNLI Contact
For further details, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 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.

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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