14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Being by the water, especially on a warm summer’s day, is a fantastic experience and one we would never want to discourage; however, water also comes with a variety of hazards. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations and over mans 240 lifeguarded beaches. Accidents can still happen though. By understanding some simple water safety advice, you can help keep yourselves and loved ones safe if you’re heading to the coast. Always try and visit a beach that is lifeguarded.When you reach the lifeguarded beach, familiarise yourself with the signage and flags. The safest place to swim on a lifeguarded beach is between the red and yellow flags, this will be the area the lifeguards have deemed is the safest to enter the water. If you visit a beach and a solid red flagflying, this signifies danger. Do not enter the water under any circumstances. Black and white flagsshow the non-motorised watercraft zone (surfers, stand up paddleborders etc) and this should not be used for swimming in. The last flag to keep an eye out for on a beach is an orange windsock. This shows that an offshore wind is blowing and therefore the use of inflatables is not advised. The UK has some of the finest beaches in the world, but please enjoy them safely and help share our water safety messaging with your friends and family. If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to increase your chances of survival. Float to Live 1. Fight your instinct to thrash around. 2. Lean back, extend your arms and legs. 3. If needed move them around to help you float. 4. Float until you can control your breathing. 5. Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives. Gabbi Batchelor, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, said: ‘It is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risks of the environment. It can be very unpredictable, particularly during early summer when the risk of cold water shock significantly increases, as air temperatures warmbut water temperatures remain dangerously cold. If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.’ Staying safe at the coast with the RNLI How can you support the RNLI? The RNLI offers a supporter membership just for children called Storm Force. For just £12 a year, your child will receive four issues of the Storm Force magazine, online access to the Crew Room with great activities and rescue videos plus a membership pack with crew bag, pencil case, stickers and more. Visit www.rnli.orgfor more information The RNLI patrol over 240 beaches around the UK and provide over 1500 lifeguards to help keep people safe at the coast. This year we’re expecting even more people to visit the coast than last year, so it’s important to remember some key pieces of safety advice
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