RNLI lifeguards to return to Yorkshire Coast beaches this weekend
The RNLI is asking visitors to the Yorkshire Coast to be safe as lifeguards prepare return to service on beaches this weekend.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is asking visitors to the Yorkshire Coast to #BeBeachSafe as RNLI lifeguards prepare return to service on the beaches this weekend.
Lifeguards will provide a full-time lifesaving service from tomorrow (Saturday 1st May) at Saltburn, Runswick, Sandsend, Whitby, Scarborough North Bay, Scarborough South Bay, Cayton Bay, Filey, Bridlington North, Bridlington South and Belvedere, with further beaches on service in time for the peak school summer holidays.
Restrictions on foreign travel and the easing of domestic lockdown restrictions mean the charity is expecting beaches to be busier than ever. Water safety experts from the RNLI will coordinate their work more closely than ever with council and emergency service partners, identifying local risks and working together on interventions create a safer environment along the county’s coast.
In 2020, the RNLI says its lifeguards in Yorkshire and the North East saved 5 lives, aided 1,117 people and responded to 1,939 incidents which included water rescues, minor first aid and helping to reunite missing children with their families.
Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead, said:
"RNLI lifeguards play a vital role in keeping beach visitors safe, and this year we’re fully staffed and ready to go on all our beaches. But we can’t be everywhere, so will be supported by the charity’s 24/7 lifeboat service and our Water Safety staff and volunteers.
"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.
"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, particularly 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 unnecessary risks, as early season conditions are more challenging."
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 government guidance on travel, meeting up with others, social distancing and hand hygiene:
• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags - they 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.
If you are a local business near the coast you can help the RNLI share key water safety messages and save lives by becoming a local amabassdaor. As a local ambassador you can help be the eyes and ears in your community by helping the RNLI share important water safety messages with more people. To find out more visit: https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities/rnli-local-ambassador