Beach Safety reminder as young girl rescued from the sea near Mablethorpe

Mablethorpe’s D Class inshore lifeboat Stanley Whiteley Chadwick was launched. On arrival the girl had been safely recovered onto the beach. RNLI Mablethorpe lifeguard, Lois Kemp, was paged by the Coastguard just minutes later and used the lifeguard’s quad bike to guide the Air Ambulance crew to the girl, who Lois administered medical care to until the East Midlands Ambulance Service arrived. The casualty then received further treatment from East Midlands Ambulance Service and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew, having swallowed an amount of water.

Nick Ayres, Regional Water Safety Lead, said: ‘Coastal areas provide a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air and open space but it is important to remember they can be unpredictable and dangerous environments.’

Lois Kemp, Mablethorpe Lifeguard, who assisted in this incident, said: “This incident is a perfect example why you should choose a lifeguarded beach this summer and swim between the red and yellow flags. This ensures you enjoy the beach whilst staying safe”.

As COVID restrictions are being eased in England more people are expected to visit the coast. The charity is continuing to urge anyone planning to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice. Anyone planning a visit to the coast should remember to:

• Have a plan – check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage

• Swim only between the red and yellow flags on a lifeguard patrolled beach

• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water

• Don’t allow your family to swim alone

• Don’t use inflatables

• If entering the water carry a mobile phone in a waterproof wallet so that you can call the coastguard

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

• In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the coastguard.

RNLI lifeguards are now patrolling beaches at Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Skegness throughout the summer and the RNLI has been working with partners behind the scenes through the challenges of lockdown to recruit, train and prepare its lifeguards tor what is expected to be a busy summer on UK beaches.

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.

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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.