RNLI issue safety warning after series of coastal incidents in south west
RNLI issue safety warning after series of coastal incidents in south west
Lifeguards News Release
After a series of incidents caused by the strong winds hitting the region over the past few days, the RNLI is reinforcing its message to beach goers, and water users to head to a lifeguarded beach.
For those looking to cool off on the coast during the continued warm weather, RNLI lifeguards will start patrols on an additional 11 beaches in the south west on Saturday (18 July), giving beachgoers a total of 88 beaches across the region to choose from.
In south Devon, RNLI lifeguards at Blackpool Sands performed a lifesaving rescue after a member of the public entered the water despite the beach being red flagged due to the conditions on Sunday (12 July). The casualty immediately got into difficulty in the powerful shore break. RNLI lifeguard Molly Pearson entered the water with a rescue tube, battling the tough conditions to secure the casualty, before RNLI Senior Lifeguard Will Simmons assisted in bringing them safely back to shore through the heavy surf.
On the same day, RNLI lifeguards and emergency services responded to reports of a stand-up paddleboarder believed to be missing or in distress in Bigbury Bay. RNLI lifeguards Will Keetley and Luca Crossley launched the Rescue Watercraft (RWC), while Senior RNLI Lifeguard Daisy Womack coordinated the response with HM Coastguard. Working alongside Hope Cove Independent Lifeboat, Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team, Bigbury Coastguard Rescue Team and Salcombe RNLI Lifeboat, an extensive search of the area was carried out. After all designated search areas had been completed, the teams were stood down, and the incident was later classified as a false alarm with good intent.
Meanwhile on Tuesday (14 July) in North Devon, footage shows RNLI lifeguards Jacob Stevenson and John H launch from Woolacombe beach to assist a paddleboarder swept out to sea at neighbouring Putsborough Beach, while Ilfracombe RNLI brought two paddleboarders struggling in strong winds near Combe Martin safely back to shore.
In Cornwall, RNLI lifeboat crew from Falmouth were involved in the rescue of two people on a paddleboard caught out by the changing conditions in the Helford River on Sunday (12 July)
The lifesaving charity are encouraging people to head to a lifeguarded beach and when there to look out for the flag system.
Steve Instance, Regional Water Safety Lead says:
‘If there is a red flag flying, this means the lifeguards have determined that the water is too dangerous to swim in, please keep out. In normal circumstances, please swim between the red and yellow flags, this is the area designated as the safest place to swim, and it's worth looking out for the orange windsock which illustrates the strength and direction of the wind, if this is flying, the conditions are not suitable for inflatables, including paddleboards.’
Steve continues;
‘While we continue to enjoy the warm weather, this week the region has experienced a strong easterly wind, on the south coast of the region this has created difficult sea conditions, with many of the exposed beaches along the south coast where we can usually expect fairly benign conditions, there has been large wind swell and strong currents.
'In many cases on the more exposed beaches, RNLI lifeguards have red flagged the beach the conditions have been that concerning.
'On the north coast of the region, this will look a bit different with the wind blowing off-shore.
'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.’
The strong winds are expected to continue for several more days, increasing the risk for anyone entering the sea. RNLI advise;
Choose a lifeguarded beach, patrolled from 10am to 6pm
Check local conditions before you visit
Follow the advice of RNLI lifeguards
If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, FLOAT to Live
If you see anyone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Notes to editors
RNLI lifeguards will start daily patrols on 11 additional beaches in Cornwall from Saturday (18 July), these are – Freathy, Polurrian Cove, Gunwalloe, Porthleven, Marazion, Lusty Glaze, Mexico Towans, Porthkidney. Carbis Bay, Crackington Haven and Northcott
Annabelle Spiers, RNLI Communications Placement at [email protected] or on 07521943895, or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Communications Lead at [email protected] or on 07920818807 or the 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.
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