'Don't take unnecessary risks' warn Dorset RNLI crews

‘Don’t take any unnecessary risks at the coast’, that’s the RNLIs lockdown warning.

Dorset’s RNLI Lifeboat crews are asking us to prevent pressure building on the service during tighter coronavirus restrictions.

Around 150 people are killed every year on the coast, more than half of them never even intended to be in the water.

Lifeboats and stations remain operational during the lockdown and will launch around the clock where there is a risk to life.

However every time a lifeboat crew is called to an incident, it puts additional pressure on RNLI volunteers and other front line emergency services. In addition to this it also potentially exposes them to Covid-19.

Steve Instance, Water Safety Lead for the south west, said:

"We would encourage everyone to follow the latest government guidelines on what they are able to do and where they are able to go during lockdown, but for anyone visiting a coastal area please understand the risks to be as safe as possible and not put unnecessary strain on front line services. No one ever heads to the coast with the expectation of needing to be rescued yet rescues are occurring everyday.

"Our beaches and coastal areas may see an increase in visitors in the days and weeks to come, so we’re urging everyone to follow our advice and stay safe.

"In particular at this time of year, we ask people to stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges, check tide times before you go, take a phone with you, and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is in trouble."

The RNLI’s key water safety advice is:

• Take care if walking near cliffs – be aware of ice and frost, know your route and keep dogs on a lead

• Check tide times daily

• Take a full-charged phone

• If going afloat, always wear a lifejacket or other personal flotation device and take a means of calling for help

• Check your equipment is in good working order

• Be aware of the conditions and your capabilities and only enter the water if it is safe to do so

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

• Additional safety advice at www.rnli.org/safety

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.