RNLI Lifeguards are stationed on Weymouth beach throughout the summer months, but did you know that when they are not on the sands they’re still doing their best to save lives?
As Courtney, one of our senior lifeguards, explains. “During the first half of this year we have attended 40 schools to deliver our three main safety messages.”
1. Always go to a Lifeguarded beach
2. Call 999 and ask for the coastguard if you see someone in trouble
3. FLOAT TO LIVE
“During the first part of 2024 we engaged with 5225 students (aged 4-16) explaining water safety messages, beach flags and their meanings and how to safely enjoy the water.”
Our lifeguard teams also visited lots of local businesses and encouraged them to sign up to our ambassador programme, hanging out lots of water safety leaflets and encouraging them to help spread the message.
Courtney goes on to explain “With the older, and typically more adventurous students, we also stress the dangers around our cliffs and especially the dangers and especially those of tomb stoning.”
Choosing a lifeguarded beach gives you and your family the protection of highly trained lifesavers. They can potentially see the dangers develop, prevent accidents before they happen and respond instantly if anyone gets into difficulty.
Call 999 or 112 in an emergency – always carry a means of calling for help. If you’re going in the water, you can carry your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
Float to Live – If you find yourself struggling in the water, or if you fall in unexpectedly, Float to Live. Relax and try to breathe normally. Tilt your head back and submerge your ears. Use your hands to help you stay afloat. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
Know your flags – on a lifeguarded beach, there will be flags on the beach to show you where it’s safe to swim. If you’re planning to swim or bodyboard, stay between the red and yellow flags. If a red flag is flying, the water is dangerous. Do not enter the water under any circumstances…
Weymouth lifeboat
May saw the return of Ernest & Mabel the “Weymouth lifeboat’ – following it’s recent overhaul – and we are thankful to have had The Duke of Kent relief boat while it was absent as April saw the need for our volunteer crews to launch on seven occasions, assisting vessels and persons in distress as well as recovering one person who we categorise as “a life saved”.
Next month more information about Lifeboat Week which commences on 28th July.
