Yahoo News RNLI issues safety warning urging beach-goers to follow their advice during hot weather
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is issuing a safety warning as the weather continues to get hotter.
With temperatures hitting 25 degrees in the North East later this week, the region's coastlines are set to get extremely busy. The RNLI is now reminding people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags if you’re visiting the coast during the heatwave.
RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 245 beaches this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble. For those who find themselves in trouble in the water, the charity is encouraging them to use the Float to Live technique to help ensure they stay safe. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Daniel Bedwell of the RNLI’s Water Safety Team, said: "We are expecting the coast to be extremely busy with this burst of warm weather. We want everyone to enjoy being around the water but we also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do in an emergency.
"Always visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help to or swim to safety if you can. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
When entering the water, it’s important to remember to acclimatise slowly to avoid cold water shock. If you do get in trouble in the water, Float to Live: Tilt your head back with ears submerged.
