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RNLI issues advice ahead of half term

Cameron Weldon
BBC News, South West
RNLI/Peter Hancock Two RNLI lifeguards stood on a beach, both looking towards the sea where there are people swimming. They are dressed in red branded clothing with RNLI lifeguard clearly written on their backs. There is a yellow surfboard on the ground along with some red sandals. RNLI/Peter Hancock
66 beaches across Devon, Cornwall, and Jersey will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from Saturday

The RNLI is reminding beachgoers to stay safe and to learn to "float to live" if they find themselves in trouble in open water.

The charity said it was expecting beaches to be busy over the May half term - from Monday 26 to Friday 30 May.

It said from Saturday, 66 beaches across Devon, Cornwall and Jersey would be patrolled by lifeguards.

Henry Saddler-Irvine, regional lifeguard lead, encouraged the public to visit "lifeguarded beaches" and to swim within the red and yellow flags.

Reuters/Tom Nicholson An RNLI Lifeguard uses a rescue board during hot weather at Perranporth beach, in Perranporth, Cornwall.Reuters/Tom Nicholson
The charity said the float to live advice could be a "lifesaver" for anyone heading to the water in half term

If people find themselves in trouble in the sea, the RNLI urged them to tilt their head back with ears submerged, try to relax, and control their breathing.

Emmie Seward-Adams, from the RNLI's water safety delivery team, said: "By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing.

"The seas are cold enough to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users."

The organisation added if anyone saw someone struggling in the water, to call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

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