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.
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:
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Check the weather and tide times before setting off for the coast.
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Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.
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Swim between the red and yellow flags.
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If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
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If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw.
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