Swimmers urged to heed summer safety warnings

A yellow weather warning for heat had been issued for the South East

Swimmers are being urged to remain safe and heed water safety advice as high temperatures continue across the South East.

Lifeguards have returned to the region's beaches as crowds head to the coast to enjoy the summer holidays.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) say that during peak temperatures, teenagers and young adults are more likely to be at risk.

Ed Stevens, regional lifeguard lead for the RNLI, said: "Our lifeguards have spent the last few weeks going through their inductions and training hard in preparation for the season ahead."

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) went to five schools with Robbie Jones, whose father drowned in January 2021.

Susan Taylor, the service's partnership and engagement manager, said: "Robbie’s story is an excellent, impactful, addition to our water safety education offering meaning, while there may be barriers to accessing water, every child can still benefit from water safety education.

"Water safety education is vital and, in some instances, could be a child’s only opportunity to learn about the water."

'Understand risks'

The RNLI advises those heading for the coast to visit a beach that is lifeguarded and to only swim between the yellow and red flags.

Mr Stephens said: "It’s important to remember that the water is still cold.

"We’d ask everyone to be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned by always having a means of calling for help and checking the weather forecast and local hazard signage to understand local risks."

A yellow weather warning for heat was issued for the south east and remains in affect until 09:00 BST on 2 August.