Lifeguards make a splash for World Drowning Prevention Day

Nineteen RNLI lifeguards from across the Fife coast came together last week on Friday 25 July to mark World Drowning Prevention Day with a 2km open water swim between East Sands and West Sands in St Andrews.

The event aimed to raise awareness of the work RNLI lifeguards do every day to help prevent drownings along Scotland’s coastline.

Nick Parsons, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, says: ‘World Drowning Prevention Day is about highlighting the importance of water safety and the vital work our lifeguards do to save lives. This swim was a great way to show solidarity, build teamwork and engage the public in conversations about staying safe at the beach.’

While most of the lifeguards completed the full 2km swim, others provided essential water safety cover using rescue boards and paddleboards.

Nick adds: ‘Despite it being the height of summer, the sea temperature was still just 15 degrees Celsius, which is still cold enough to cause cold water shock. If you do find yourself unexpectedly in the water, remember to lie back, extend your arms and legs, tilt your head back and float to live.’

ENDS

Notes to editors

· RNLI lifeguards are currently on duty at the following East Scotland beaches: Coldingham Bay, Silver Sands (Aberdour), Burntisland, Leven, Elie, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands and Broughty Ferry

· Interviews with RNLI lifeguards can be arranged upon request.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Emma Lees, RNLI Communications Placement for Scotland, 07710 246 495, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [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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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.