RNLI issue warning as forecast of hot weather and offshore winds in North West

With the temperature set to warm up again and visitors expected to flock to the coast, the RNLI is issuing a warning for beachgoers to take caution and to visit a lifeguarded beach where possible, if planning on going in the water.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead in the North West said:

‘In parts of the North West, the forecast for the weekend and early next week is predicting moderate easterly breezes, which will mean offshore winds at westerly facing coastlines that can blow you out to sea. For beachgoers, using inflatables like stand-up paddleboards during these conditions is not advised, as they can very easily be swept away from the shore into deeper waters and away from the safety of the beach.

‘If you’re not sure about whether it’s safe to paddleboard on the day of your visit, ask a lifeguard or seek local advice.

‘Stand-up paddleboarders should always wear an appropriate leash and a buoyancy aid. They are advised to also carry a means of calling for help like a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, keep it on their person and know to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if they are in trouble at the coast.’

As air temperatures rise, the sea remains cold enough in many places to cause cold water shock, especially if people enter deep water quickly or fall in unexpectedly.

Chris added: ‘We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting the North West coast over the coming months and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice.

‘Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.

‘We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently.

‘By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.’

Coinciding with this warning, RNLI lifeguards are now on duty at many more beaches across the North West. They provide safety advice, first aid and emergency response throughout the busy holiday season. If you are planning on going to the coast, visit a lifeguarded beach.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches. RNLI lifeguards patrol from 10am-6pm.

In Merseyside, RNLI beach lifeguards are now patrolling daily on Formby, alongside Crosby, Ainsdale and Southport beaches.

In the Wirral area of Merseyside, RNLI beach lifeguards are already patrolling daily at New Brighton (Perch Rock), The Plateaux, Harrison Drive, Moreton and West Kirby. Leasowe Bay will begin daily patrols from Saturday 18 July.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is 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 anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts

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

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, 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.