Cornwall expected to be at 97% capacity as RNLI faces 'busiest ever summer'
A new coastal safety campaign has launched ahead of the busy season
The RNLI says that Cornwall is expected to be at 97% capacity this summer as lifeguards face their 'busiest ever season'.
The charity has teamed up with HM Coastguard to launch a new safety campaign ahead of the May bank holiday and school half term break.
It is estimated that around 30 million people are planning to visit a UK beach this summer, with more people choosing staycations because of the current uncertainty around foreign travel and holidays.
A new study, commissioned by the RNLI, also shows 75% of those questioned - aged 16-64 - expect to visit a UK beach or the coast between April and September, with around half of that number likely to do so three or more times.
In the south west, businesses are gearing up for hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region in July and August, bringing £3.5 billion into the local economy.
Ahead of what is anticipated to be a busy Bank Holiday weekend (29th May to 1st June) and half-term holidays, the RNLI and HM Coastguard are urging everyone to choose lifeguarded beaches when they visit the coast.
The summer is expected to be the 'busiest ever'__
"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 reporting 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 abut 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. RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 100 beaches** across the south west this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.
"Coastal areas provide a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air and open space but they can be an unpredictable and dangerous environment, particularly during early summer when air temperatures start warming up but water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock."
Steve Instance, RNLI’s Water Safety Lead for the South West
The key summer safety advice is:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• If you get into trouble remember: 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
Advice from the coastguard__
"2020 was an exceptionally busy year and we’re expecting more people to take their holidays around our wonderful coasts this summer.
"We’re asking everyone to follow a few simple safety tips, so the trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
"Before setting out, take a minute to check the weather, tides and winds to help avoid getting caught out.
"Leave inflatables at home as they are designed for the pool, not open water, where the wind and current can very quickly take you out to sea and into danger.
"Recreational watersports such as paddleboarding are now incredibly popular and we’d encourage everyone to make it a fun rather than frightening experience.
"It pays to prepare and taking a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch when you set out for a paddle will mean you can call for help if needed.
"If you or someone else is in trouble, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard
Not everyone who finds themselves in trouble in the water, expected to even get wet through
"In a normal year, around 140 people lose their lives accidentally at the coast and we know that more than half of those never intended to be in the water" added Steve Instance.
"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 is to float on your back and wait for the effects of cold water shock to pass until you can control your breathing. You can then plan your next move to reach safety."
A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here.