Fire at Kent beach damages £2k worth of RNLI rescue equipment

More than £2,000 worth of lifeguard equipment has been damaged following a fire at an RNLI storage unit along the Thanet coast. On Wednesday evening (June 19), a large fire took hold of the unit on Stone Bay Beach, Broadstairs, damaging vital equipment including rescue boards.

The total cost of the damage is valued at around £2,500 and the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Following the incident, the RNLI has advised the public on the correct use and disposal of barbecues and fires on the beach during summer.

In order to reduce the risk of fire or injury, it is important to ensure such barbecues are disposed of properly, with most beaches providing a safe disposable barbecue bin for beachgoers to use. These bins are usually easy to spot thanks to their red colour.

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Regional lifeguard lead for the RNLI, Ed Stevens said: "We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches during the summer months, but please do so safely. If you are having a barbecue please don’t bury it or cover it with sand after you’ve finished as it will continue burning and this actually traps the heat in and could cause injury for other beach users.

“The same goes for lighting fires on our beaches. Our lifeguards are there to keep you safe and although they have faced a set-back, we will still carry out our vital work over the next few days and throughout the summer.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has also issued important advice around attending beaches during the summer. KFRS has urged the public to:

• Only use disposable BBQs in authorised areas and make sure it is cold before putting in a bin

• Supervise burning bonfires and lit barbecues at all times

• Always take rubbish home or use a bin, as rubbish such as reflective cans and glass can start fires

• Dispose of smoking materials responsible – do not throw them onto the ground

KFRS Group Manager Vicki Board added: ‘Be water wise. During spells of warmer weather, it might be tempting to cool off in lakes or rivers. It’s important to remember that water is often deeper than it looks, with strong currents and hidden obstructions.

“The water temperature is often still very cold. This can lead to cold water shock and increase the risk of drowning. If you find yourself struggling in water and can’t swim to safety, float on your back like a starfish, try to stay calm, and then shout for help.

“And, if you see someone who needs rescuing from water, call 999 and ask for the fire service if they’re in inland water, such as a lake or river, or ask for the coastguard if you’re by the sea. Calling the right emergency service can help to save vital time and increase the chance of someone’s survival.”

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