Blackpool's RNLI says it's preparing for its busiest season EVER
We can reveal that Blackpool’s RNLI is preparing for its busiest summer season on record - with more and more people getting into danger in the sea.
80 emergency calls for help have already been made to the town’s station this year - that’s compared to 100 for the whole of 2020.
And with more hot weather forecast and the start of summer holidays - it’s feared demand will only increase.
Nationally, 14 people have lost their lives in open water in the last week alone.
New figures have revealed that more under-18s got into difficulty in the North West seas than anywhere else in the UK.
We've been speaking to David Warburton from Blackpool's RNLI station. He said:
"I think the stats it really does put the emphasis on families coming to resorts like Blackpool just to be more aware that there's lots to enjoy but also hidden dangers that they just need to take precautions about when they arrive at the coast.
"It does feel different this year. Certainly the numbers would point towards that as well in terms of the call outs increasing.
"When people do come and get into difficulty, the vast majority of people would never have intended to get anywhere near the sea or in difficulty but unwittingly have ended up on the sandbank, the tides come in behind them, they've got cut off and therefore do end up being in the sea.
"We're on call 24/7 but with the school holidays and the good weather it's likely we're going to get called out more than normal.
"Because of the restrictions people aren't able to go abroad so that staycation element where visitor numbers are going to increase because of that anyway is probably going to increase the number of times the volunteers at the station are going to be called out with the lifeboat service."
What can you do to keep you and your family safe at the seaside?
These are David's top tips for keeping yourself safe:
1. Try and go to a beach with lifeguards
They're the safest beaches. The lifeguards are there to help you out and keep an eye on you
2. Look for tide times
When the tide is coming in, be aware of your surroundings. There is a potential to be cut off.
3. If you end up in the water, try not to panic
The water is deceptively cold even though it's hot and sunny!
Cold water shock can be deadly so try to float on your back for about 20-30s and fight your instinct to panic. Try to regulate your breathing and don't take heavy breaths.
Once you're calm, you're in a much better position to help yourself out.
4. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
If you do see anyone in trouble, or you yourself are in trouble and have a way to make a call, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.