If you’re heading to the beach this summer, spare a thought for safety. Around two-thirds of people in the UK go to the seaside at least once a year for holidays or day trips. But each summer, thousands of people get into serious difficulties on Britain’s beaches.
RNLI lifeboat volunteers or search and rescue helicopter crews can respond within minutes, and often save lives close to the shore. But sometimes, at the beach, seconds count. Someone is needed on the shoreline who can see the dangers develop; someone who can provide advice to help prevent accidents before they happen and respond instantly if they occur. For this, lifeguards are needed.
To help the beach-going public stay safe, the RNLI lifesaving charity has some essential beach safety tips to make sure people remember their summer holidays for the right reason.
- Swim at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags.
- Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas.
- Check the weather and tide times before you go.
- If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for
help. - If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t
see a lifeguard call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
The launch of a brand new clothing range from the RNLI Shop and flourishing coastal fashion brand Seasalt. Available through the RNLI Shop’s website, www.rnlishop.org.uk,
the new range is colourful, vibrant, easy-to-wear and provides the perfect wardrobe staple for all those looking for that relaxed beach style.
Working in partnership with Seasalt, RNLI Shop has developed a range of T-shirts and hoodies for men, women and children, all made from 100% organic cotton. With prices starting at £15 for children and £18 for adults there isn’t an easier or more worthy way to shop this year. And money does matter – in 2009 it cost £147.7M to run the lifesaving
charity*.
The RNLI has been an integral part of Britain’s coastal communities since it was founded in 1824. The RNLI has saved over 139,000 lives in total, and rescues people every day. The RNLI has volunteering at its heart with over 4,600 volunteer crew members, around 3,000 volunteer shore helpers and more than 35,000 voluntary fundraisers across the UK
and Ireland who are united by selflessness, skill and courage providing a 24-hour lifeboat service and seasonal lifeguards Service on more than 160 of the UK’s busiest beaches.
* The RNLI charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews rescued 8,313 people around the coast of the UK and Ireland during 2010, while RNLI lifeguards assisted 18,775 people during the summer season.
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