RNLI issues beach warning ahead of bank holiday

Two RNLI lifeguards standing on a beach with their backs to the camera and looking out to sea. A man is wearing a red top and red shorts, with a yellow float around his shoulders. He is standing next to a woman, who is wearing a red jumper and red trousers. She also has a yellow float around her shoulder. There is a yellow paddleboard next to them on the sand and a red and yellow flag.RNLI

RNLI lifeguards on the beach in Skegness

Nathan Hemmingham
BBC News

Beachgoers heading to the East Coast are being urged by the RNLI not to take inflatables with them this bank holiday weekend.

The charity said they "could be blown out from shore within seconds by offshore wind".

It is also encouraging beachgoers to visit only those beaches that have lifeguards, and to swim only between the red and yellow flags, where conditions are safest.

The advice comes in the wake of five deaths in the past four months on Lincolnshire beaches, following incidents at Skegness and Anderby Creek.

The RNLI said people intending to go into the water should not do so alone, and they should check the weather forecast and tide times before setting out.

The charity's Nick Ayers said: 'We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely.

"Keep an eye out for the orange windsock on lifeguarded beaches. This signals that no inflatables should be taken out to sea due to offshore winds.

"Our lifeguards will be on duty between 10:00 and 18:00 BST over the weekend to offer friendly advice and medical assistance if needed."

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