RNLI lifeguards return to Bournemouth and Poole beaches
RNLI lifeguards will be returning to four beaches across Bournemouth and Poole this Saturday to keep people safe on some of the county’s most popular beaches
The charity’s lifeguards have undergone intensive training over the past few weeks and will be keeping visitors safe at Sandbanks, Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West and Boscombe East daily between 10am and 6pm from Saturday 8 April to Sunday 23 April.
The RNLI’s advice for anyone planning a trip to the coast is to choose a lifeguarded beach, particularly if you’re planning to go in the water. With the weather starting to become warmer, a dip in the sea may seem more appealing, but the water is still very cold so make sure you are wearing the right kit.
Mike Winter, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said:
‘We are looking forward to keeping people safe on the beaches in Bournemouth and Poole over the Easter period. We hope people will head down to the coast and enjoy our wonderful beaches now the weather is warming up a little. If you do make a trip down to the beach please come and say hello to the lifeguards who will be more than happy to help.
‘If you’re going to take the plunge and swim in the sea make sure you’re wearing a good wetsuit or drysuit. Keeping warm in cold weather can take a lot of energy, so fatigue can be an issue, plus watch out for the wind chill factor – even a slight breeze can have a dramatic effect on how cold it feels.’
‘Conditions can also be changeable so please bring appropriate clothing and be ready for all weathers and if you see someone in trouble in the water, don’t attempt to rescue them yourself, as you could also be putting yourself in more danger. Alert lifeguards if you are on a lifeguarded beach or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
There are still some vacancies if you wish to be a lifeguard this season. So if you are interested in receiving world class training in search and rescue, learning invaluable skills and having the beach as your office this summer please visit www.rnli.org.uk/workonthebeach
Notes to editor:
For more information, contact Oliver Wrynne-Simpson, RNLI Public Relations Officer, on 07795127351 or 01202 336 789 / [email protected]
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.