RNLI lifeguards are preparing to return to West Kirby beach to offer safety advice and assistance over the Easter holidays.
Daily safety patrols will be provided from 10am – 6pm every day from Saturday 9 April at five Wirral sites.
The other beaches covered are: Moreton, Harrison Drive in Wallasey, and The Plateaux and Perch Rock in New Brighton.
The charity’s lifeguards assisted 17,978 people on North West beaches last summer and responded to 1,550 incidents, including water rescues, administering casualty care, delivering water safety information and helping to reunite missing children with their families.
Over the past few weeks they have been training and practicing their skills so that they are ready to face what the upcoming season brings.
Peter Rooney, RNLI Regional Lifeguard Lead, said: “RNLI lifeguards are at the forefront of the charity’s lifesaving work, as they keep beach visitors safe across the UK and Channel Islands.
“Last year’s figures show the importance of our lifeguards and what they do for the public, we are expecting coastal areas to be just as busy in the summer season ahead.
“The RNLI has been working closely with partners and local communities to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped, and that lifeguard training has been performed seamlessly.
“Pre-season preparations have gone well and our lifeguards are looking forward to getting back on the beaches and doing what they do best; offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.
“However, it is important to remember that our lifeguards can’t be everywhere. Our lifeguards will be supported by the charity’s 24/7 lifeboat service and water safety work, but we urge anyone visiting the coast to take responsibility for themselves and their family this summer.”
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:
- Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
- Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks. Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone
- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, fight your instinct to thrash around, Lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float
- In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard