THE RNLI will provide lifeguard cover on Weymouth beach over the Easter school holidays - the first time this year the attraction will have lifeguards in place.

The life-saving charity has been working with Weymouth Town Council to recruit, train and prepare lifeguards for another busy Easter and summer.

Lifeguard will cover Weymouth beach from Thursday until April 18, as well as on weekends up until May 1 - with patrols increasing on beaches across the south west until the peak school summer holidays when more than 89 beaches across the region will be patrolled.

Alice Higgins, RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor for Weymouth, said: "While lockdown restrictions will remain in place, we expect people will make the most of their time off during the school holidays and for many this may involve visiting the coast.

"We urge anyone wanting to go into the water to visit their nearest lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

"Lifeguard patrols on Weymouth allows those in West Dorset to access this service without having to travel too far."

In 2020, RNLI lifeguards covering the south west saved 56 lives, aided 9,179 people and responded to 6,287 incidents which included water rescues, minor first aid and helping to reunite missing children with their families.

A spokesman from Weymouth Town Council, said: "It'll help keep people safe while they spend time at Weymouth beach.

"If an area looks busy and social distancing isn’t possible – it’s not safe and we’d advise coming back at a quieter time."

"This measure is being put in place for the safety of residents and not to encourage visitors from outside the area. The Government guidelines are clear to stay local at this time."

The RNLI is urging anyone choosing to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice, which includes visiting a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks, and if you fall into the water unexpectedly, use the 'float to live' technique; by fighting instincts to thrash around - lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.

In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

To find lifeguarded beaches visit: rnli.org.uk/lifeguardedbeaches

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