Heatwave: RNLI issue safety warning to Dorset beach goers
Temperatures may be soaring, but in the water it's a different story
With temperatures in Dorset set to reach the high 20's today, the RNLI is reminding us to stay safe on the Dorset coast.
The RNLI, with the support of HM Coastguard, is urging everyone to remember to Float to Live if they get into trouble in the water.
To do this:
lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.
Gabbi Batchelor, Water Safety Education Manager at the RNLI said: ‘With summer arriving and a heatwave forecast, we want to remind everyone to stay safe at the coast.
‘It is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risks of the environment. It can be very unpredictable, particularly during early summer when the risk of cold water shock significantly increases, as air temperatures warm but water temperatures remain dangerously cold.
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.’
The RNLI is also reminding people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags this summer.
Gabbi adds: ‘With hot weather forecast, we know lots of people will be heading to the coast. To help stay safe, we’d encourage people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. It’s important to remember to swim between those flags because lifeguards put them on the safest stretch of water and patrol this area.’