RNLI Clacton issues safety advice as temperatures continue to rise

Temperatures are expected to cool as we head into the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, but the lifesaving charity expects to still see an increase in visitors at the coast.

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.

Mark Walsham, RNLI Press Officer 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.

‘Always visit a safe 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.’

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 visiting our coast around the Tendring area remember to check the tide times, carry a means for calling for help, ideally in a waterproof pouch and keep dogs on leads. Avoid taking pictures on unsafe areas and stay safe by not jumping into cold water from groynes or piers (Tombstoning).

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.

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.