RNLI lifeguards urge caution as unusual environmental conditions increase risks
RNLI lifeguards in East Dorset are urging beachgoers to take extra care this weekend, as unusual environmental forecasts are set to create challenging and unpredictable sea conditions.
Last weekend, East Dorset lifeguards carried out more than 27,000 preventative actions, more than double the usual figure for this time of year.
Kester Sheppard, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for East Dorset, says: ‘The wind direction and strength we’re expecting this weekend will have a real impact on our beaches. It can quickly affect the topography of the shoreline, creating deep holes and channels around piers and groynes. This makes the sea unusually dangerous and unpredictable for this time of year.’
‘We want people to have a great time at the beach and get home safely. The best way to enjoy your day and stay safe is to visit a lifeguarded beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags, and remember to float to live if you get into trouble in the water.’
The RNLI is encouraging visitors to check local forecasts before heading to the coast this weekend, and speak to lifeguards on arrival for the latest safety advice. Even experienced swimmers and water users can be quickly caught out by changing weather conditions. Strong winds and shifting tides can increase the chance of rip currents, and make inflatables particularly hazardous, carrying people offshore much faster than they may realise.
Kester adds: ‘We are anticipating challenging and windy conditions over the weekend, with early forecasts indicating a potentially large South-Westerly swell to reach our shores on Tuesday. With these tricky conditions forecast, we’re asking everyone to stay alert, respect the water, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.’
Notes to editors
· East Dorset lifeguard unit has been operating since 2003. To learn more about the RNLI lifeguards go to https://www.facebook.com/rnlilifeguardseastdorset
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, [email protected], 01273 818012
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.