The RNLI has urged anyone who is able under government guidelines to visit the coast during lockdown, to stay safe and not take any unnecessary risks that may put extra pressure on emergency services.
RNLI lifeboats continue to launch, but every time a lifeboat crew is called to an incident, it puts additional pressure on RNLI volunteers and other front line emergency services. In addition to this it also potentially exposes them to Covid-19.
Gareth Morrison, RNLI head of water safety, said: “In a normal year around 150 people lose their lives at the coast and we know that more than half of those never intended to be in the water. So, please be extra responsible and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“At this time of year, we ask people to stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges, check tide times before you go, take a phone with you and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is in trouble.”
