The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Her Majesty’s (HM) Coastguard have launched a joint beach safety campaign today.
A new study reveals around 30million people plan to visit the UK coast this summer. In a survey commissioned by the RNLI, 75% of those questioned - aged 16-64 - expect to visit a UK beach or the coast between April and September, with around half of that number likely to do so three or more times.
In the south west, businesses are gearing up for hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region in July and August, bringing an estimated £3.5 billion into the local economy.
Ahead of what is anticipated to be a busy Bank Holiday weekend (29 May-1 June) and half-term holidays, the RNLI and HM Coastguard are launching a new safety campaign, urging everyone to choose lifeguarded beaches when they visit the coast.
Steve Instance, RNLI’s Water Safety Lead for the South West said: “Last summer, RNLI lifeguards patrolling beaches across the south west recorded nearly 9million visitors. We know the south west is a popular destination for those holidaying at home and with many accommodation providers reporting being at capacity for the summer, we are expecting this year to be the busiest ever.
“We want people to enjoy the region’s spectacular coastline, but urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety and know what to do in an emergency.
“Our main advice is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 100 beaches across the south west this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.”
During the early summer, says the RNLI, air temperatures start warming up but water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock.
Rhian Cleverly, a semi-professional footballer and novice surfer was grateful to have heeded the RNLI’s advice and was on a lifeguarded beach when she became caught on a rip current when learning to surf. She says: “We knew the safest option was to go to a lifeguarded beach, so we went to Crantock and headed in the water. We made sure we went in together as a group and we were having lots of fun. But quite quickly we realised we were drifting right away from the flagged area and further out to sea – the strength of the current was so strong, it was scary how within minutes we were out of our depth and a real distance from where we entered the water. There was no hope of us paddling against the current.
“Thankfully, within minutes the lifeguards had spotted us and come to our aid. Greg was so calm and helpful, he paddled me back to safety and gave me some extra advice for beginners, to always stay between the black and white flags and to stand up with my feet on the seabed whilst waiting for waves. I am so grateful we chose to head to a lifeguarded beach otherwise that situation could have escalated and quickly become a lot more dangerous.”
The key summer safety advice is:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• If you get into trouble remember: Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about
• Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard
Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, said: “2020 was an exceptionally busy year and we’re expecting more people to take their holidays around our wonderful coasts this summer.
“We’re asking everyone to follow a few simple safety tips, so the trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
“Before setting out, take a minute to check the weather, tides and winds to help avoid getting caught out.
“Leave inflatables at home as they are designed for the pool, not open water, where the wind and current can very quickly take you out to sea and into danger.
“Recreational watersports such as paddleboarding are now incredibly popular and we’d encourage everyone to make it a fun rather than frightening experience.
“It pays to prepare and taking a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch when you set out for a paddle will mean you can call for help if needed.
“If you or someone else is in trouble, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
In a normal year, around 140 people lose their lives accidentally at the coast, yet more than half of those people never intended to be in the water, says the RNLI.
Steve Instance says: “If you find yourself in trouble in cold water, your natural reaction can be to panic and thrash around, which increases the chances of breathing in water and drowning. The best thing to do is to float on your back and wait for the effects of cold water shock to pass until you can control your breathing. You can then plan your next move to reach safety.
A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches