A NEW safety campaign for families visiting the coast this summer has been launched.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Coastguard campaign follows the recent easing of nationwide lockdown restrictions in England.

With children still off school, many more people are expected to visit the coast to exercise and take part in water-based activities.

Last weekend alone, coastguard rescue teams were called out 194 times in to incidents across the country including; inflatables drifting offshore, crashed jet skis, people injured while out walking or cycling along the coast, paddleboarders, kayakers, windsurfers and kite surfers in difficulty and people cut off by the tide.

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by coronavirus and social distancing the RNLI still hopes to provide a lifeguard service on around 30% of the beaches the charity usually covers in time for the traditional peak summer season.

But, at present, there are no lifeguards on UK beaches.

It may seem obvious, but the safety advice for families visiting beaches is, as follows:

  • Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage
  • Keep a close eye on your family on the beach and in the water
  • Don't allow your family to swim alone
  • Don't use inflatables
  • If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE.
  • Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float
  • In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard

Gareth Morrison, the RNLI's head of water safety, said: "If the charity's lifeguards were present on the beaches today, they would be preventing many incidents before they even occurred by directing people to safe swimming areas, highlighting dangers such as rip currents and advising people not to use inflatables.

"These preventive measures are not currently in place meaning people could find themselves in danger if they are not reading the signs and following the relevant safety advice."

Following key safety advice will keep people safe and help to reduce the demands placed on RNLI lifeboat crews, HM Coastguard and other emergency services.

That is why parents are now being urged to take charge and be 'beach smart' if they visit the coast to ensure they and their families have the safest summer possible, whether lifeguards are patrolling their beach or not.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard said: "We know from sad experience that whether you're local or nor, whatever your ability of experience in your chosen sport or leisure activity, the sea can still catch you out and be unmerciful when it does.

"Now, more than ever we need people to respect the sea and the coast.

"If you get into trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and we will come to your aid.

"But coronavirus hasn’t gone away, and we all need to follow the rules. Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk.

"Take extra care in these extraordinary times."