RNLI launch water safety campaign and QR codes at Crosby beach

The RNLI and Her Majesty’s HM Coastguard have launched a water safety campaign, urging everyone to remember that if you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.

To do this: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.

Lifeguards in the North West dealt with 1,550 incidents last summer. With this summer expected to be just as busy, the RNLI is piloting a new QR code initiative to ensure beach visitors stay safe.

Three lifeguard units across the North West – Crosby, New Brighton and West Kirby will be kitted out with new QR codes, which visitors can scan with their mobile phones for the latest safety advice. The code will lead the user to specific advice for that particular beach and a film with a guide to any specific risks at that location.

The videos will contain a message from the lifeguard who patrols the beach being visited.

RNLI lifeguards have now returned to their posts on a daily basis in Sefton, at Formby, Ainsdale and Southport beaches. The RNLI already provides 365 days a year service at Crosby Coastal Park.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the North West says: “It is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risks of the environment. It can be very unpredictable, particularly during early summer when the risk of cold water shock significantly increases, as air temperatures warm but water temperatures remain dangerously cold.

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard”

The RNLI is also reminding people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags this summer.

A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

For further information on the water safety campaign visit: RNLI.org/FloatWales2022rnl