By RNLI issue ‘risk to life’ warning over swimming in open water
The National Lifeboat Charity RNLI has issued a warning over swimming in open water after visitor numbers rose by 20% due to the improved weather.
Cleethorpes Beach attracts thousands of visitors every year, with the figure growing as more people plan staycations.
But lifeboat crews say many beachgoers are unaware of the dangers that the sea and fast moving tides could pose.
The Cleethorpes RNLI crew have already been called out 32 times this year.
Speaking to ITV, Matt McNally from RNLI said: “There is definitely a risk to life. Because the creek fills so quickly and the sandbanks form so quickly the water is flowing really fast.
“It can be flowing at seven or eight miles per hour so there is no way you can swim against that speed of current and it can blow you anywhere.
“There are more people coming to the beach this year because people can’t holiday abroad, they are coming to the coast, they have not been to Cleethorpes before they don’t understand the dangers they are not aware of them.”
In order to stay safe while visiting the beach, the RNLI have issued the following advice:
· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
· If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about
· Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard
