Coastal safety warning goes out to Cornwall as school half term starts
It's estimated that around 30 million people plan to visit the UK coast this summer
A coastal safety warning is going out to Cornwall as the school half term break begins.
The RNLI and Coastguard have launched a new campaign as the busy summer season kicks off.
Cornwall Council is backing it, as officials urge residents and visitors to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe when visiting the Duchy’s beautiful beaches.
Cornwall expected to be at 97% capacity as RNLI faces 'busiest ever summer'
The key summer safety advice is:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and 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
“We fully support this campaign and urge both visitors and locals to follow the safety advice and look out for others.
“We expect this summer to be very busy and we ask people to respect, protect and enjoy our beautiful coastline. That means respecting the water, as well as the people around you, and protecting the local environment and wildlife.
“Please keep yourself and your loved ones safe, think about how your actions affect others and make sure you take your litter home with you or dispose of it responsibly.”
Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council
A new RNLI study suggests around 30 million people plan to visit the UK coast this summer.
RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 58 beaches across Cornwall to offer advice on how to stay safe. They are also on hand to help anyone who gets into trouble.
“Last summer, RNLI lifeguards patrolling beaches across the south west recorded nearly 9M visitors. We know the south west is a popular destination for those holidaying at home and with many accommodation providers have reported being at capacity for the summer, we are expecting this year to be the busiest ever.
“These new figures back that up. 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.”
Steve Instance, RNLI’s Water Safety Lead for the South West
You can find further information on the RNLI and HM Coastguard beach safety campaign here.
A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here.