RNLI lifeguards back on duty across East Scotland ahead of upcoming hot weekend

With temperatures expected to soar across Scotland this weekend, the RNLI is urging people to stay safe at the coast, as lifeguards return to patrol all eight of the RNLI’s lifeguarded beaches across the east coast from Saturday (22 June).

Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, says: ‘Heading to the coast in hot weather is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off – but the water can be dangerous. Air temperatures may feel warm, but UK sea temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock, while big waves and strong rip currents can over-power even the most confident water users.’

He adds: ‘That’s why we’re pleased to have our full team of RNLI lifeguards back on duty at all eight of our east coast beaches this weekend. These trained professionals are there to help keep everyone safe and we’d encourage anyone heading into the water to swim between the red and yellow flags, as these mark the area identified as the safest place to swim and most closely monitored by our lifeguards.’

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at the following beaches - Coldingham Bay, Silver Sands (Aberdour), Burntisland, Leven, Elie, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands and Broughty Ferry daily from 10am to 6pm.

Michael adds: ‘We’re also urging people to be prepared. If you’re paddleboarding, always wear a leash and buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help and be aware of offshore winds. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

If you get into difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live, by doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety. 

ENDS

Notes to editors

· Water Safety Scotland’s Water Safety Code can be viewed in a number of lanugages at the link here https://www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk/advice-hub/water-safety-code/

· Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for Scotland will be available for interviews this weekend.

· Water safety float demos available to attend next week in Glasgow and Fife, please contact the media team if you are interesting in attending.

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]

RNLI Press Office, 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.

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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.