People urged to stay safe on Yorkshire Coast ahead of weekend storms
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and HM Coastguard are reiterating their safety advice ahead of severe storms this weekend.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and HM Coastguard are reiterating their safety advice ahead of severe storms which are due to hit this weekend.
They are encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the coast this weekend, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.
The Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning for snow and ice this weekend and is predicting easterly winds reaching gale 8 on Sunday 7th February, bringing large waves and posing a severe safety risk to those visiting the coast.
Nick Ayers, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead, says:
"We urge anyone going out to think twice about the dangers around our coastline. Sadly, around 150 people accidentally lose their lives around UK and Irish waters each year and over half of these people didn’t plan on ever entering the water. Slips, trips and falls can be a major factor in these kinds of incidents, especially with the risk of cold water shock for anybody finding themselves in the water unexpectedly."
Rob Priestley, HM Coastguard Duty Controller, says:
"If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast and be in a position to take your exercise there in line with local COVID-19 restrictions, we’d urge everyone to take extra care this weekend. Dress up warmly, take a fully charged mobile phone and stay well back from cliffs and strong waves which can be unpredictable and may well include rocks and debris. No matter how dramatic the picture, no selfie is worth risking your life for."
Nick continues:
"If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – too many people drown trying to save others."
The RNLI’s key water safety advice is:
• Take care if walking near cliffs – watch out for snow and ice and loose ground
• Know your route and keep dogs on a lead
• Check tide times daily
• Take a full-charged phone
• If going afloat, always wear a lifejacket or other personal flotation device and take a means of calling for help
• Check your equipment is in good working order
• In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
• Find additional safety advice at www.rnli.org/safety