15 Raring2go! 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, and you should 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. James Woodhouse, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, said: ‘We want people to enjoy the coast but urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety and know what to do in an emergency. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, visit a lifeguarded beach and if you get in trouble in the water, lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float.’ Staying safe at the coast with the RNLI The RNLI patrol over 240 beaches around the UK and provide over 1500 lifeguards to help keep people safe at the coast. In 2021, thanks to the ‘Great British Staycation’ boom, they experienced an incredibly busy summer. 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
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