RNLI warning on water safety
THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging anyone who is able under government guidelines to visit the coast during lockdown to stay safe and not take any unnecessary risks that may put extra pressure on emergency services.
As the UK enters a new nationwide lockdown, RNLI lifeboats will continue to launch. However, the charity says that every time a lifeboat crew is called to an incident, it puts additional pressure on RNLI volunteers and other frontline emergency services – and in addition also potentially exposes them to Covid-19.
Steve Instance, Water Safety Lead for the South West, said: “During lockdown, RNLI lifeboats and stations remain operational and will launch around the clock where there is risk to life.
“We would encourage everyone to follow the latest government guidelines on what they are able to do and where they are able to go during lockdown, but for anyone visiting a coastal area please understand the risks to 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.”
The RNLI and HM Coastguard last month launched a winter coastal safety campaign to highlight the dangers of stormy seas, changing tides and cliffs at this time of year.
Steve added: “Our beaches and coastal areas may see an increase in visitors in the days and weeks to come, 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, wintery seas and 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.”