RNLI lifeguards return to Brean and Burnham-on-Sea for the summer season

From today, RNLI lifeguards are returning to the beaches here in Somerset.

The service is 'going live' at Burnham-on-Sea and Brean, with the RNLI urging anyone visiting the coast to visit a beach looked after by a lifeguard.

Lifeguards at the Burnham-on-Sea will be there from today - Saturday, 1st July - until Sunday 3rd September, whilst there'll be an RNLI lifeguard service at Brean beach on the weekends beginning Saturday 8th, Saturday 15th and Saturday 22nd July followed by a full time service at Brean beach until 3rd September.

They will be on the beaches from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The RNLI Lifeguards will be there alongside the Somerset Council employed Beach Safety Staff who you will also find on duty at Berrow beach.

Matt Whitley, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Devon and Somerset said: "We are pleased to be providing a lifeguard service on these two beaches in Sedgemoor and encourage the public to choose either Burnham-on-Sea or Brean beach if they are planning a day out at the coast this summer.

"In 2022, RNLI lifeguards covering the south west dealt with 9,835 incidents, aided 11,858 people and saved 34 lives and the charity’s lifesavers are expecting another busy year ahead."

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• 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

All beach users are urged to follow safety signage and listen to any advice and warning information issued by the Beach Safety Staff or the RNLI Lifeguards.

You can find out more about the RNLI and their safety advice on the RNLI website.

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