Bournemouth RNLI Lifeguards give warning ahead of busy bank holiday weekend

Lifeguards in East Dorset have been kept busy during the summer weeks, attending to multiple rescues and assisting many holidaymakers who may not know the beaches or the local area.

In the last week alone, along with major first aids, the RNLI Lifeguards have rescued several people from the water along the East Dorset coastline.

The RNLI advises all people visiting the beach to ask the lifeguards for advice if you are unsure about entering the water. The lifeguards are constantly assessing the weather and the sea state to ensure that people can enjoy the water and remain safe.

Kester Sheppard, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for the RNLI in East Dorset, says:

‘As the school summer holidays are nearing an end, we’re urging people not to become complacent about the dangers of the sea and coastal areas and to follow our simple safety advice.’

‘Our RNLI lifeguards are still operating on many beaches in East Dorset. If you are heading to the coast, please choose a lifeguarded beach, where possible, and swim between the red and yellow flags.’

The key RNLI safety advice is:

- Visit a lifeguarded beach & swim between the red and yellow flags

- If you get into trouble 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

Beaches currently providing an RNLI Lifeguard service in the region are: Highcliffe, Friars Cliff, Avon Beach, Southbourne, Fisherman’s Walk, Manor Steps, Boscombe East, Boscombe West, East Cliff, Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West, Durley Chine, Alum Chine, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Shore Road, Sandbanks and Swanage.

Lifeguards are on duty on these beaches 10am – 6pm, 7 days a week.

Notes to editors

· The RNLI have recently released their new children’s television advert which advises children (and adults) on how to float when they’re in trouble in the water: https://rnli.getbynder.com/m/296fcc7da2eb7287/original/RNLI-Kids-TV-Advert.mp4

· Find your nearest lifeguarded beach here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

· For the RNLI’s Beach Safety advice: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Sarah Beck, Media Engagement Placement on 07929 673280 or [email protected] or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.