RNLI urges coastal caution across North West during Easter holidays

RNLI lifeguards continue their safety patrols at West Kirby, Moreton, Harrison Drive (which includes part of Leasowe Bay), The Plateaux, New Brighton Perch Rock, Formby, Ainsdale and Southport throughout the Easter break.

The RNLI already provides at 365 days a year service at Crosby.

But with the school holidays coinciding with a relaxation in lockdown travel and outdoor socialising rules in many areas, the RNLI has urged the public to take care if they visit the coast as, despite some recent warm weather, sea temperatures remain at their coldest this time of year.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Although RNLI lifeguards are already offering a safety patrol on some of the North West’s most popular beaches, they can’t be everywhere, so people need to think about their own safety and what they would do in an emergency.

‘Coastal areas provide a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air and open space but it is important to remember it can be an unpredictable and dangerous environment, particularly during spring and early summer when air temperatures may be warm but water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock.

‘We are reminding anyone planning to enter the water to take extra care and avoid unnecessary risks as early season conditions are more challenging.’

Not everyone who finds themselves in trouble in the water, expected to be there though.

Last year, RNLI lifeguards in the North West aided more people than anywhere else in the UK. They attended 846 incidents and aided 9,624 people. Many of those who were rescued were simply out enjoying a walk and had unexpectedly got into trouble.

Chris explains: ‘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 in this situation is to float on your back and wait for the effects of cold water shock to pass, keeping your airway clear until you can control your breathing. You can then plan your next move to reach safety.

If you or someone else is in trouble, always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

The RNLI’s key safety advice is:

§ Check weather forecasts, tide times and any local hazard signage to understand local risks

§ Take care if walking or running near cliffs – know your route and keep dogs on a lead

§ Carry a fully charged phone

§ If you get into trouble in the water, FLOAT to live - fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.

§ In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach go to rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

ends

Notes to editors:

· Interviews are available via phone, Skype, or Microsoft Teams

· A video of the latest coastal safety messaging can be downloaded here

· Keep up to date with relevant water safety advice on social media by searching #RespectTheWater

· The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, and they continue to launch to those in peril at sea

· To donate to the RNLI go to RNLI.org/GoDonate

For more information, please contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07771 941390 or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 or [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.

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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.