Weymouth lifeguards return for Easter tourist boom
The red flags are flying again from today.
RNLI lifeguards are back in Weymouth Beach in time for the Easter holidays.
In the South West, RNLI lifeguards will patrol 23 beaches across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the Channel Islands from today until Sunday 24 April.
In Dorset, RNLI lifeguards will be on duty at Weymouth beach during those dates.
Lifeguards will then return daily for the summer on Saturday 30 April, following the Easter holidays.
For the last two weeks RNLI lifeguards have been busy with their pre-season inductions where they refresh their skills in casualty care, lifesaving techniques in and out of the water, water and land craft operations and fitness testing.
And as the season begins, RNLI figures reveal that in 2021, RNLI lifeguards covering the South West dealt with 11,216 incidents, aided 13,664 people and saved 57 lives. In comparison to 2019, the last full season unaffected by covid restrictions, RNLI lifeguards dealt with 10,527 incidents, aided 13,069 people and saved 69 lives.
Guy Botterill, Regional RNLI Lifeguard Lead for Cornwall 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."
How to keep safe this summer
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.