RNLI sees increase in callouts to beach this year

The Weston RNLI service was required six times in one day last month

The RNLI has said there has been an increase in rescue callouts to part of the Somerset coast this summer.

The Weston RNLI service was required six times in one day last month, when people got stuck in the mud at Weston-super-Mare.

This year's figures are expected to be higher than last year's 143 deployments.

Joel Ninnes, RNLI water safety delivery manager, said: "The sea is unpredictable, waves can come out of nowhere. We want everybody to stay safe so do take time to learn the environment where you're going to."

Mr Ninnes added: "People are taking it more seriously but we always have to reiterate and remind people of the dangers by the coast.

"Some risk can be mud, people getting stuck. Or people going swimming in the rip tides. We also see an increase in callouts to paddle boards and kayaks."

Mr Ninnes advised people to only go to beaches with lifeguards present and to keep an eye out for each other.

"If you're in trouble, float on your back with your ears under water and take a breath to relax. Then plan your next steps," Mr Ninnes added.

He said the RNLI will be in Clevedon on Monday to give people advice on how to stay safe at the beach over the rest of summer.