Words by Smiley Team
The RNLI has been working hard to safeguard lives at sea as storms hit the British coasts this weekend, with even greater swells expected this current weekend.
The start of the half term week has seen a huge increase in the number of people using the beaches around the south west. This past weekend, RNLI lifeguards patrolling 27 beaches across the region have been working extremely hard to keep water users safe as they contended with strong winds and powerful rip currents to ensure as beach goers could enjoy the October surf conditions safely.
The RNLI charity works to provide provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. Operating over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.
Forecasters are now predicting an even bigger swell to hit Europe and the UK on Wednesday and Thursday, with challenging conditions then set to continue for the rest of the week. This swell is predicted to be dangerous in exposed areas of Cornwall and Devon, but the effects will create rough conditions along the south coast of Devon and into Dorset, so those heading to the coast should take extra care.
‘Experts have been watching weather systems out in the Atlantic for the last few weeks to calculate the impact on swell conditions hitting Europe and the UK. Forecasts at the moment are predicting a huge swell to arrive on Wednesday and into Thursday combined with strong winds.' Steve Instance, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the South West says.
‘Sea conditions are set to be extremely dangerous and its likely most beaches will be red flagged with huge waves, strong rip currents and increased tidal surges. If you are tempted to enter the water, please go to one of the 27 lifeguarded beaches and listen to their advice, if there are no flags then there are no lifeguards. Do not enter the water if the red flag is flying, it only takes seconds to get caught out in conditions like these."
‘While we expect stormy conditions during the winter, this particular swell is hitting in the middle of half term when the coastal area is busy with visitors to the region and locals off school. We would advise anglers, coastal walkers and anyone hoping to watch the surf to do so at a safe distance from the water.’
The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
To ensure their work can continue their work saving lives, the charity needs people to urgently donate, leave legacies, donate and volunteer. Volunteer roles do not necessarily mean going out to sea - the charity also needs volunteers in their shops, heritage sites and as part of their education programme. However much time you have and whatever skills, there is a way to get involved.
