RNLI issues Lincolnshire beach safety warning ahead
Crews urge families to choose lifeguarded beaches, avoid inflatables and remember “Float to Live”
The RNLI is urging people heading to the Lincolnshire coast this Bank Holiday weekend to stay safe in the water — with warm weather expected to bring big crowds to beaches across the county.
Lifeguard patrols return to beaches including Skegness and Mablethorpe from Saturday, with crews expecting a busy Bank Holiday period.
Liam Fayle-Parr from the RNLI Water Safety Team says people should always choose lifeguarded beaches where possible.
“We would always recommend choosing a lifeguarded beach and swimming between those red and yellow flags,” he said.
“That will be an area that the lifeguards know is a safe spot to swim.”
What should you do if someone gets into trouble?
The RNLI says people should never enter the water themselves if they spot someone struggling.
Instead, crews advise calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard immediately, while throwing something that floats to the casualty and encouraging them to lie on their back.
“Every second counts in a water situation,” Liam said.
“Knowing the right service to ask for can save valuable minutes.”
Remember “Float to Live”
The charity is also reminding people to remember the RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice if they get into difficulty in the water themselves.
That means:
- Leaning back in the water
- Keeping ears submerged, but your mouth and nose out of the water
- Relaxing and controlling breathing
- Moving hands and legs if needed
Liam said people should practise floating when they go swimming in a pool so it becomes instinctive in an emergency.
Cleethorpes warning over tides
The RNLI is also warning visitors to Cleethorpes to check tide times carefully before heading out onto the beach.
Crews say people are regularly cut off by the incoming tide after walking too far onto the sand and mud flats.
“The tide goes out a long way and comes in behind people without them realising,” Liam explained.
Leave inflatables at home
Families visiting beaches like Skegness and Mablethorpe are also being warned about the dangers of inflatables at sea.
The RNLI says even gentle offshore winds can quickly carry inflatables away from the shore — leaving people unable to paddle back.
“We recommend leaving inflatables at home,” Liam said.