RNLI urges Bank Holiday visitors to Yorkshire Coast beaches to stay safe
The charity says its lifeguarded beaches are open as it prepares for a busy summer
People visiting beaches on the Yorkshire Coast this Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday are being urged to stay safe.
The RNLI and Coastguard say they are preparing for a busy summer and lifeguards will increase their patrols at the seaside.
Daily patrols are taking place at Cayton Bay, Filey, Redcar, Saltburn, Sandsend, Scarborough North Bay, Scarborough South Bay and Whitby beaches. On 2nd July, these patrols will extend to Runswick Bay beach.
However, some beaches in the area are subject to closures:
• Cayton Bay and Sandsend beaches are operational only on weekends from 5 June until 2 July
• Redcar beach is operation only on weekends from 5th June until 15th July
In the East Riding, daily patrols will take place at Belvedere, Bridlington North and Bridlington South beaches. However, between 5th June and 2nd July these beaches will only be operational on weekends. From 2nd July, these beaches will become fully operational with patrols also extending to Hornsea and Withernsea.
The RNLI daily patrols will remain in place until 4th September.
2.5 million people visited the RNLI’s beaches in the North East and East last year and the charity is continuing to urge beachgoers to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach this summer.
Ahead of a rise in visitors, the RNLI, with the support of HM Coastguard, launched the Float to Live campaign with advice for people if they get into trouble in the water.
If you find yourself struggling in the water, follow the Float to Live advice:
• Fight your instinct to thrash around
• Lean back, extend your arms and legs
• If you need to, gently move your arms and legs to float
• Float until you can control your breathing
• Only then call for help or swim to safety
Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Carl Harris reflected on the busy summer ahead: ‘We know that beachgoers will want to enjoy the hot weather, but make sure you enjoy it at a lifeguarded beach where our lifeguards will be undertaking daily patrols.’
By choosing a lifeguarded beach this summer, if you find yourself in any trouble in and around the water a lifeguard will be on hand to help.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, please visit: Lifeguarded Beaches - Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)
For more information about Float to Live: RNLI Beach Safety – Top Five Tips To Stay Safe By The Sea