Water safety warning issued in Kent ahead of busy bank holiday
The RNLI is encouraging people to only swim on lifeguarded beaches
As thousands are expected to head for Kentish coast, rivers and lakes this bank holiday, the RNLI is urging people to take extra care.
Simple steps like visiting a lifeguarded beach and knowing what to do if someone finds themselves in trouble in the water could help save lives, says water safety lead Nick Ayers.
RNLI lifeguards are stationed at several Kent beaches, including Joss Bay, Botany Bay, Minnis Bay, Margate Main Sands, and Sunny Sands.
‘We recommend anyone visiting the coast heads to a lifeguarded beach and swims between the red and yellow flags" says Nick.
‘Lifeguards are trained in casualty care and water rescue. They will be on hand to offer water safety advice to the public and provide information on sea conditions that day.
What to do you if someone's in trouble
‘If you do find yourself in the water unexpectedly, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, move your hands to help you stay afloat and once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety.’
The RNLI is aware of more than 50 people who have used the Float to Live advice to help themselves and it’s encouraging everyone to remember, practise and share the advice to save more lives.
The RNLI’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:
· Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
· Relax and try to breathe normally
· Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
· It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
· Practise floating in a local pool if you can
If you see someone else struggling in the water:
· Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
· Tell the person to relax and float on their back
· Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat
To find out the current lifeguard status for a specific beach, it's best to check the RNLI website.
More information on water safety can be found here.