Northern Ireland RNLI lifeguards ready to spring into action this Easter

From Good Friday, (18 April), through to Sunday, 27 April, RNLI lifeguards will be back on duty across six beaches including Benone Strand, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West Strand, Portrush East Strand, Whiterocks and Ballycastle. Lifeguards will be on duty from 10am until 6pm.

For the past two weeks, RNLI lifeguards have been busy with their pre-season inductions where they refresh their skills in casualty care, lifesaving skills in and out of the water, watercraft operations and fitness testing.

Speaking ahead of the Easter break, Michael Thompson, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead said: ‘Pre-season preparations have gone well, and our lifeguards are ready to get back on to the beaches and do what they do best. All our lifeguards are equipped not only with the best training but also the best equipment so that they can deal with any situation.’

Michael has further advice for beachgoers: ‘It is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the hazards of the environment. It can be an unpredictable environment, particularly during Spring and early Summer when the risk of cold-water shock significantly increases, as air temperatures warm but water temperatures remain dangerously cold. We would remind anyone entering the water to take extra care and avoid unnecessary risks as early season conditions are more challenging.’

Following the Easter period, the RNLI lifeguard team working with the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the National Trust will then prepare and get ready for the peak season in June.

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:

· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

· Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.

· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.

· In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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RNLI Media Contact

For further information, contact Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement at [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 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.