RNLI urges caution during national lockdown
Residents heading to the coast for their daily exercise during lockdown are being urged to stay safe.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution( RN LI) is urging those at the coast to not take anyunnec essary risks that may put extra pressure on emergency services.
While volunteer lifeboat crews remain on-call 24/7, the charity is asking the public to follow the latest government guidelines on what they are able to do as every lifeboat callout puts additional pressure on volunteers and other frontline emergency services.
Nick Ayers, RNLI regional water safety lead, said: “We would urge anyone able to access coastal areas to please understand the risks, be as safe as possible and not put unnecessary strain on front line services.
"No one ever heads to the coast with the expectation of needing to be rescued, yet rescues are occurring every day.
“In a normal year, around 150 people lose their lives at the coast and we know that more than half of those never intended to be in the water. So, whether you are walking, running or cycling at the coast, or doing some activity on or in the water, please be extra responsible and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“Our beaches and coastal areas may see an increase in visitors, so we’re urging everyone to follow our advice and stay safe.
“In particular at this time of year, we ask people to stay well back from stormy, wint ery sea sand cliff edges, check tide times before you go, take a phone with you, and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is in trouble.”