Blackpool RNLI issue 'Float To Live' advice as Bank Holiday weekend set to be scorcher
Blackpool RNLI has issued advice on how to stay safe in the water, as they deal with increased callouts heading into a hot Bank Holiday weekend.
Blackpool RNLI received three pagers over two days as they cope with increased callouts heading into a hot Bank Holiday weekend.
It comes as the RNLI launch a national campaign to advise people of how stay safe in the sea or open water.
The life-saving advice is that if you find yourself in danger in the water, ‘Float to Live’ could save your life.
A spokesperson for Blackpool RNLI said: “As inviting as it may be, the sea temperature remains cold for the time of year below 10 degrees and cold water shock is a very real risk. Our statistics show 40% of adults in the UK are unaware of this advice. Float to Live could save your life.”
’Float To Live’
The life-saving ‘Float To Live’ campaign recommends the following measures -
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
If you see anything at all of concern on the beach or sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Three pagers in two days for lifeboats
The campaign comes as lifeboat crew receive 3 pagers in two days, as the hot Bank Holiday weekend began. Friday saw the pager sounding at 2.17 pm and 3.40pm for two separate incidents, both of which were resolved with the volunteer crew assembled but before launching.
At 10.11pm Saturday evening, the pager went again for the volunteers, resulting in the launch of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat to a report of a person in the sea near to Red Bank Road. The lifeboat was arriving on scene when they were cancelled with the person now on land. Returned to the lifeboat station to wash down and prepare for the next call.