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RNLI advice to choose lifeguarded beach as third heatwave hits the south west

Lifeguards News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people heading to the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and remember essential water safety advice, as the south west experience another prolonged period of hot and sunny weather.

RNLI/Ash Milton

RNLI lifeguard patrolling beach in south west
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With the region experiencing the third heatwave of the summer, the charity is expecting beaches across the south west to see an increase in visitors this weekend.

The RNLI is sharing lifesaving advice, including a focus on choosing a lifeguarded beach, planning days around patrol hours - and remembering key water safety advice.

Guy Botterill, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead, said:

‘Alongside sensible precautions including hydration and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during this period, we’d like to remind people of the importance of choosing a lifeguarded beach, and when there, swimming between the red and yellow flags.

‘Lifeguarded beaches offer the highest level of safety and ensure there are professional life savers on hand to assist, trained to watch out for dangers that aren’t always obvious.

However, it is vital to remember that RNLI lifeguard patrols do not operate 24/7, with cover ending at 6pm. Remember, if there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.’

This year, the RNLI’s lifeguard service is celebrating 25 years of keeping beaches safer.

To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, check online at Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach.

The charity is also appealing to people to share its water safety advice, including what to do if you find yourself in danger in the water; what to do if you see someone else is struggling; and awareness of key risks like cold water shock.

Guy continues;

‘By choosing lifeguarded beaches, being aware of patrol times, and sharing water safety advice, the RNLI hopes everyone can enjoy the coast safely this summer.

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.’

RNLI water safety advice -

To stay safe during this spell of hot weather, the RNLI is encouraging people to:

  • Check the weather and tide times before setting off for the coast.

  • 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 else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw.

Notes to editors

  • RNLI lifeguards will commence patrols on beaches on Greenhill, West Bay, and Lyme Regis in Dorset, and Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Hope Cove, Bigbury and Budleigh Salterton in Devon, plus Dawlish Warren and Sandy Bay in Devon will go from weekend to 7 days a week from Saturday (11 July)

  • Interviews with RNLI spokespeople are available, please contact the RNLI press office on the details below

  • Please see attached an image of RNLI lifeguards on duty

RNLI/Ash Milton

RNLI lifeguard patrolling beach in south west
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RNLI/Nathan Williams

RNLI lifeguards at Weymouth beach in Dorset
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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Communications Lead for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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, 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.

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