Her Majesty’s Coastguard and the RNLI are reminding families to take care when visiting the coast this Summer holidays.
As schools prepare to break up, emergency services are expecting to be extremely busy during the long summer break.
The RNLI and HM Coastguard are asking those visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and be aware of some basic advice to keep themselves and their families safe.
It comes just days after a holidaymaker in his 70s died on the beach at Sandown.
Gabbi Batchelor, Water Safety Education Manager for London and the South East, says:
“With an estimated 35M people planning to visit the UK coast this summer, our lifeguards will be extremely busy during the school summer holidays with younger children, in particular, needing assistance more than any other age group.
“To stay safe, we’re reminding families to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible and swim between the red and yellow flags which is the safest area as it is constantly monitored by our highly-trained lifeguards.
“A simple skill we ask everyone of any age to remember is how to Float to live if they find themselves in difficulty in the water. Lean back like a starfish, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. This will allow you to control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. The technique has been proven to save lives”.
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Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, says:
“We’re urging anyone visiting the coast and taking part in coastal activities to be aware of the dangers so they can have a safe and enjoyable summer.
“Always check the weather conditions and tide times before heading to the coast as it’s very easy to find yourself quickly cut off by the tide or blown offshore. Whatever activity you choose to do, whether it’s swimming, paddleboarding, walking or anything else near the water, look out for your friends and family to help keep each other safe.
“Please enjoy the UK’s wonderful beaches and coastline but respect their dangers and remember, in a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard”.
The RNLI’s key water safety advice for children and teenagers is:
- Stop and think – Always swim in a safe place.
- Stay together – Always swim with an adult, younger children and non-swimmers should always be within arm’s reach.
- Float – If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float on your back like a starfish.
- Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard.
Throughout the summer months, a children’s RNLI Seaside Safety advert will be broadcast on TV channels with the catchy song reminding those visiting the coast to float like a starfish if they find themselves in difficulty in the water.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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