RNLI urges South Coast swimmers to stay safe this weekend as temperatures soar

The RNLI is urging people heading to the water this weekend to think safety first, as hot weather and the start of the school holidays are expected to draw big crowds to beaches, lakes and rivers across the South Coast.

Guy Addington, Regional Water Safety Lead with the RNLI in the Southeast, said the charity is keen to see people enjoying the coast — but safely.

"We’re expecting really good weather this weekend, and that’s going to coincide with a period where people have just finished exams," he said. "As an organisation, we’re really enthusiastic about people heading out to the coast or to bodies of water. There’s nothing more beneficial for mental and physical well-being than a trip to the seaside or a lake. But we just want to make sure that people undertake that activity safely."

He warned that many people underestimate the risks of cold water shock, even on a hot day.

"There’s going to be that contrast between really hot air and really quite cold water, which can take your breath away and induce cold shock response," he said.

Addington also urged people to avoid using inflatables in offshore winds, which can quickly carry people out to sea.

"I think people will spend quite a lot of time going out on inflatable paddle boards and inflatable toys, and we are expecting some offshore breezes. A breeze blowing from the land out to sea can very easily sweep away something that’s very light or inflatable. So avoid using inflatables in offshore wind conditions," he said.

For parents, the advice is clear: choose a lifeguarded beach and stay between the red and yellow flags.

"I would always make sure that my children are not bathing anywhere other than a lifeguarded beach and between the red and yellow flags, or somewhere that’s designated as suitable for bathing and is preferably supervised. In fact, I always go with my children if they’re going in the water. Things can go wrong very, very quickly," he said.

Addington also reminded people of the RNLI’s "Float to Live" message. If you unexpectedly find yourself in cold water, try to stay calm, float on your back with your ears submerged, and gently paddle until the initial shock passes.

"That buys you a bit of time, a bit of headspace to plan your next move," he said.

Covering an area from Swanage in Dorset round to Southend-on-Sea and including London, the RNLI is preparing for a busy weekend on the water.

"We’re really keen that people stay safe," said Addington. "We’re expecting lots of visitors to the coast, and that’s great but it brings with it a level of anxiety about people getting into difficulty. We just want people to stay safe."