AS THE school holidays come to an end for most, the RNLI is preparing to wind down some of its beach lifeguard services.
RNLI lifeguards have now vacated beaches in Rhyl and Prestatyn. Lifeguard patrol times run from July 1 to September 3.
Temperatures are set to hit 30°C in some areas midweek, there will be highs of 27°C / 26°C in Denbighshire and Conwy on Thursday, but with the reduction in patrols, people are being reminded to be aware of the dangers.
Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager, said: ‘With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast.
"As the peak season finishes for RNLI lifeguards and with a reduction of lifeguarded beaches, we’re asking people to continue to take care and be aware of the dangers.
"If you are planning on swimming at a lifeguarded beach, we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the safest area and is most closely monitored by lifeguards.
"If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
"With warmer weather many may make the most of the evenings and in recent weeks there has been an increase in paddleboard rescues."
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Ross added: "If you find yourself in a rip current the RNLI advice is not to swim against it or you will get exhausted. If you can, stand up and wade, or swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the rip then head to shore. If you can, raise your hand and call for help – and remember, Float to Live if you can’t make it back or become too tired."
RNLI lifeguards will still be on some beaches until the end of September.
Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach and check season dates here.
RNLI Float to live advice:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Move your hands to help you stay afloat
- Once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety
- In an emergency call 999 or 112– if you are at sea or on the beach ask for the coastguard
The lifesaving charity’s lifeboats based across the UK and Ireland remain on service 24/7, 365 days a year.
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