Sunshine and spring tides: RNLI in Wales offers heatwave safety advice

With the Met Office issuing an amber warning for the country’s fifth heatwave this year, the RNLI is urging those visiting the coast to follow essential lifesaving advice. Over the coming week, the forecast of hot weather and spring tides can increase the risk of people becoming stranded.

The RNLI is encouraging coastal visitors to be well prepared during the heatwave.

Tirion Dowsett, Water Safety Delivery Support says:

‘Tide times and heights vary throughout the month, and the incoming tide can easily leave people stranded, requiring assistance. There will be spring tides over this coming week meaning a greater difference between low and high tide, therefore at high tide the water comes in further and can move faster than on smaller tides.

‘On bigger tides, places will be cut off by the tide more quickly than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.’

If you are planning on visiting the coast over the next few days, always check the tide times before you go. If you are having difficulty understanding the information on tide tables, ask people who know the area and pay attention to any safety signs. RNLI beach lifeguards are especially helpful and knowledgeable about the beach they work on and will offer you safety advice.

Tirion added:

‘It’s hard to imagine how walking near the coast can turn out to be such a dangerous activity, check the tide times at the start of your day, keep an eye out for the incoming tide and leave enough time to return safely.

‘Always carry a means of calling for help, like a fully charged mobile phone.

‘If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

With another increase in temperatures, the charity continues to highlight key risks such as cold water shock, which remains a danger even during hot weather.

Tirion continued:

‘Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of. The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly. It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise.

‘Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and Float to Live – try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.’

The charity is also reminding the public that the safest place to swim is at a lifeguarded beach and to always swim between the red and yellow flags. A number of Welsh beaches across the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Denbighshire are now lifeguarded full time, 10am-6pm.

Notes to editors:

• RNLI lifeguard cover is available between 10am-6pm.
• You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety

If you see someone else in trouble, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
• Tell the person to Float to Live
• Throw something buoyant, such as a life ring.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Betsy Owen, Regional Communications Placement on [email protected] or 07483 485378.

Alternatively you can contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Communications Lead on 07786 668829 [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.

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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.