RNLI urges people to follow water safety advice as hot weather spell continues

With plenty of sunshine and more warm temperatures forecast for the coming days and on into the weekend, the RNLI is urging the public to follow their lifesaving advice if they are planning to be on or near the water. 

The RNLI advice is to:

• Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity
• Know how to float in an emergency
• Always carry a means of calling for help such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you
• Always check the weather forecast and tide times before venturing out
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you are due back
• If you see someone in trouble or get into difficulty yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard / Coastguard.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘With more hot weather forecast, we expect many people to head to the coast or our inland waterways to make the most of the fine conditions. In doing so, we are urging the public to remember some water safety advice which could be lifesaving. We want people to be aware of the dangers, to know their limits and to not take risks. Go with others and look out for each other. Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if you come across anyone who needs it.

‘Where you can this weekend, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol between 10am and 6pm on Benone, Portstewart, Portrush West Strand, Portrush East Strand, Whiterocks and Ballycastle.

‘Check the weather and tide times before you go – tides can go in and out very rapidly in some areas, causing people to become cut off, or quickly out of their depth – so find out the times of high and low tides before you set off.

‘Rip currents, which are channels of fast-flowing water running out to sea, can be difficult to spot and can catch out even the most confident and prepared swimmers. If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, stay calm – don’t panic. If you can stand, wade. Don’t try to swim. Raise your hand and shout for help loudly. Don’t swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore.

‘If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water and in difficulty, know how to Float to Live. The best way to do this is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.’