
RNLI urges public to stay safe as Storm Éowyn hits Scotland
Storm Éowyn is poised to bring one of the most intense storms in recent history to hit Scotland 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 weather could bring.
The Met Office has issued red, yellow and amber weather warnings for wind and rain this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Strong winds are expected throughout Scotland on Friday, with gusts reaching 80mph across the central belt and more extreme gusts set to peak around 90mph in exposed locations such as island and coastal areas.
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.
RNLI Water Safety Lead for Scotland, Michael Avril, said: ‘Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially dangerous and uncertain conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant.
‘The RNLI advises that you stay away 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 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, wintry 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
ENDS
Notes to the editor
- Interviews with the RNLI Water Safety Team are available on request
RNLI media contacts
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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.