RNLI issues lifesaving water safety advice ahead of hot weekend
With temperatures forecast to hit 30C in the South East this weekend, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people to remember their lifesaving advice.
There are likely to be high numbers of people enjoying our beautiful coasts and waterways in the South East over the next few days.
To stay safe, the RNLI is urging the public to:
- Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
- If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Guy Addington, RNLI Water Safety Lead in the South East, says: ‘Heading to the coast in hot weather is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off – but the water can be dangerous.
‘If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Air temperatures may feel warm, but UK sea temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock, while big waves and strong rip currents can over-power even the most confident water users.
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.’
The RNLI provides a lifeguard service to a series of beaches across Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent- find your nearest one here https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
Ed Stevens, Regional Lifeguarding Lead for the South East, said: ‘We have lifeguards on duty at beaches across the South East. Our lifeguards have undertaken extensive training to be able to provide an excellent lifesaving service.
‘It’s important to check the times and season dates of your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach and to listen to any local advice they can give you – they are there to help keep us safe.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sam Carragher, Communications Placement – South East on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.