THE RNLI and Coastguard are advising holidaymakers to choose lifeguarded beaches ahead of the “busiest ever” summer period.

The emergency response agencies are urging people to stay safe and have teamed up to launch a joint beach safety campaign as around 30 million people plan to visit the UK coast this summer, a new study suggests.

A survey commissioned by the RNLI found three quarters of those questioned aged 16-64 expect to visit a UK beach or the coast between April and September, with around half of that number likely to do so three or more times.

Also a significantly higher proportion of the public – 36 per cent – also said they plan to visit the coast more than usual this year, compared with 24 per cent of people in 2020.

Last summer, RNLI lifeguards recorded more than 15 million visitors on the beaches the lifesaving charity was patrolling.

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But with continued uncertainty over foreign holidays and international travel, the RNLI is predicting this summer will be the “busiest ever”.

RNLI head of water safety Gareth Morrison said: “We are expecting this summer to be the busiest ever for our lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews. These new figures back that up.

“We want people to enjoy the coast but urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety and know what to do in an emergency.

“Our main advice is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

“RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 245 beaches this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.

“Coastal areas provide a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air and open space, but they can be an unpredictable and dangerous environment, particularly during early summer when air temperatures start warming up, but water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold-water shock.”

In 2020, RNLI lifeguards saved 110 lives, and aided 25,172 people - including 1,908 incidents involving bodyboards and 348 with inflatables – responded to 10,687 incidents and made more than 2.2 million preventative actions.

Bournemouth Echo:

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard, said: “2020 was an exceptionally busy year and we’re expecting more people to take their holidays around our wonderful coasts this summer.

“We’re asking everyone to follow a few simple safety tips, so the trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

“Before setting out, take a minute to check the weather, tides and winds to help avoid getting caught out. Leave inflatables at home as they are designed for the pool, not open water, where the wind and current can very quickly take you out to sea and into danger.

“If you or someone else is in trouble, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”