Peak season hits for RNLI Lifeguards around Norfolk and Suffolk
As warm weather continues beaches across the region will see an increase in the lifeguard service from Saturday 12 July as the RNLI Lifeguards begin their peak season. The lifesaving charity expects to see an increase in visitors at the coast.
RNLI are reminding those considering visiting the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and if venturing into the water, to swim between the red and yellow flags.
For those who find themselves in trouble in the water, the charity is encouraging them to use the Float to Live technique to help ensure they stay safe. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Ted Morgan Lead Lifeguard supervisor said: ‘We are expecting the coast to be extremely busy with this burst of warm weather. We want everyone to enjoy being around the water, but we also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do in an emergency.
Ted continued: ‘Always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help to or swim to safety if you can. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Mandy Humphreys Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer and Crew said: ‘Getting cut off by the tide can be very dangerous. If you find yourself cut off by the tide call 999 immediately. Try to stay dry and calm until help arrives.’
Mandy explained: ‘Wading through water over knee deep, especially in areas of marsh or sandbars can be incredibly hazardous as the depth of water can change very rapidly resulting in your sudden full immersion in fast flowing, cold water which is associated with a high risk of drowning. Help to avoid tidal cut off in this area, by getting back to dry sand/land with no more channels or drains to cross at least four hours before Wells bar high tide time.’
When entering the water, it’s important to remember to acclimatise slowly to avoid cold water shock.
If you do get in trouble in the water, Float to Live: Tilt your head back with ears submerged
· Relax and try to control your breathing
· Use your hands to help you stay afloat
· It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
When walking around the coast remember to check the tide times, carry a means for calling for help, ideally in a waterproof pouch and keep dogs on leads.
RNLI Media contacts For more information, please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Notes to Editor Mandy Humphreys Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer and Nick Ayers Regional Water Safety Lead are available for interview and Lifeguards uon request Via Jess Curtis details above.
Wells RNLI have assisted people and dogs already this year cut off by the incoming tide.
Images show points in which beachgoers are most likely to be cut off and a tidal cut off simulation video is available for download.
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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