‘Stay away from the sea’ say RNLI

The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is advising the public that they should not take part in any water based activity on or in the sea, to reduce the risk to the lifesaving charity’s volunteer crews and other front line emergency services being exposed to COVID-19, and the pressure on their time.

Under normal circumstances, many people would be heading to the coast to enjoy the good weather. Given the current COVID-19 outbreak, the RNLI is urging everyone to follow Government instructions, which are clear: stay home, protect frontline services and save lives.

The RNLI saidL “While you are allowed out for daily exercise, we do not recommend that this exercise is on or in the sea. Our charity’s lifeboat service is still available but every time a lifeboat crew is called to an incident, it puts additional pressure on RNLI volunteers and other front-line emergency services as well as potentially exposing them to COVID-19.

“The RNLI’s advice is - Take care near cliffs - know your route and your limitations; Check the weather forecast and tide times; If you fall into the water unexpectedly FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float. In any coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI, said: “Our lifeboat crews are still at the ready 24/7 thanks to their own courage and the generosity of our supporters. If people feel compelled to show their support from home, they can support our lifesavers at www.rnli.org/donate.”