RNLI lifeguards across the Yorkshire Coast ready for summer of ‘staycations’
The charity have been preparing behind the scenes for the next few months
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been working with partners behind the scenes through the challenges of lockdown to recruit, train and prepare its lifeguards for what is expected to be a busy summer on Yorkshire Coast beaches.
The charity will deliver its usual lifeguard service across North East England and Yorkshire this year in its standard phased approach. The first set of beaches will go on service at the start of May with the number of beaches increasing through the season until the peak school summer holidays.
In 2020, RNLI lifeguards in North East England and Yorkshire saved 5 lives, aided 1,939 people and responded to 1,117 incidents which included water rescues, minor first aid and helping to reunite missing children with their families.
Daniel Cooper, RNLI Regional Lifesaving Lead, said: ‘RNLI lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work, offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty. They receive the best training and equipment, so they are able to deal with any emergency situation as professional first responders.
‘Each year, the RNLI works in partnership with local authorities and landowners to set up and roll out the lifeguard service - a complex task even without the challenges of a pandemic. However, we have been here before, and have developed contingency plans should things change.
‘The protocols and measures introduced last year because of coronavirus will continue. We are working with local authorities and landowners, who ask us to provide a lifeguard service on their beaches, to make sure the environment for lifeguards to return to is safe. We will continue to monitor the risk to our people and the public in relation to the pandemic.’
The RNLI will provide a lifeguard service on 26 beaches in the North East and Yorkshire this summer, with the majority starting during May. The charity is encouraging the public to follow government advice on social distancing, travel and contact with others when visiting the beach.
Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead, said: ‘RNLI lifeguards play a vital role in keeping beach visitors safe. But they can’t be everywhere, so will be supported by the charity’s 24/7 lifeboat service and water safety work. This comprehensive water safety education programme involves working with partners, local communities and the public to help everyone enjoy a safe visit to the coast.
‘Coastal areas provide a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air and open space but it is important to remember they can be unpredictable and dangerous environments, particually during spring and early summer when the air temperature is warm but sea temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold water shock. I’d remind anyone entering the water to take extra care and avoid unessessary risks, as early season conditions are more challenging.
‘Whatever your chosen activity, basic precautions can greatly reduce the risk of getting into difficulty, and also improve your chance of being found quickly should you need help. For activities like kayaking and paddleboarding we’d recommend you carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, and ensure you are wearing the right kit. A wetsuit will keep you warm and help you float in an emergency, but wearing an appropriate buoyancy aid or lifejacket is stil vital. For open water swimmers and dippers, please also remember to aclimatise slowly and be visible with a bright hat.’
The RNLI is urging anyone choosing to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice along with the government’s advice on travel and social distancing:
. Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags - we have a number of patrolled beaches around the coast from the Easter holidays – find your nearest at rnli.org.uk/lifeguardedbeaches
. Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
. 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 and ask for the Coastguard.