RNLI lifeguards return to Weymouth this weekend
They'll be on duty throughout the Easter holidays
The RNLI is bringing back its lifeguards for the school holidays at Weymouth beach from this Saturday (9th April) through until Sunday 24th April.
The patrols will also then return daily from Saturday 30th April, continuing right through the summer season.
Over the last two weeks, lifeguards have been having their pre-season inductions to receive refresher training in lifesaving techniques both in and out of the water, casualty care, water and land craft operations, as well as fitness testing.
Throughout 2021, the RNLI tell us they dealt with 11,216 incidents in the South West, helping 13,664 people and saving 57 lives.
That's compared to 10,527 incidents, helping 13,069 people and saving 69 lives in 2019 - the last full season that wasn't affected by Covid restrictions.
Guy Botterill, Regional RNLI Lifeguard Lead said:
"In the year where travel restrictions were in place and the region was incredibly busy with tourism, official RNLI statistics show that our lifeguard teams dealt with more incidents and aided more people.
"The return of RNLI lifeguards for the Easter holidays is always a welcome sign and signals that summer is nearly upon us. Our teams across the south west have been working hard over the winter to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are fully equipped and our lifeguards are trained to the highest standard. Pre-season preparations are well underway and our lifeguards are looking forward to getting back on the beaches and doing what they do best – offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.
"We’re hopeful for good weather but it’s important to remember that the water is usually at its coldest at this time of the year and therefore increasing the risk of cold water shock. Also, the winter weather may have altered the conditions at your local beach, so it's important to familiarise yourself with any hazards.
"We'd urge people to head to one of our 23 RNLI lifeguarded beaches this Easter and speak to the lifeguards to find out the local risks, tides and weather conditions. Be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned, and always have a means of calling for help. We wish you a safe and happy Easter."
SAFETY ADVICE
If you're visiting a beach that isn't patrolled by RNLI lifeguards this summer, the charity's issued some important safety advice.
This also applies to staffed areas, to make sure the lifeguards don't need to be called into action:
- Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
- Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone
- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float
- In an emergency dial 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard