Local lifeguards needed for beach safety

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Lifeguards at Coldingham Bay Credit: ITV Border

The charity RNLI are warning people about the dangers of the beach ahead of the summer. However, the RNLI say they need more local lifeguards.

On Monday 26th May, two teenagers were rescued by RNLI lifeguards after being swept out to sea. The two lifeguards, Giordano Ceccarelli and Nick Campbell had noticed the teenage boy and girl had got into difficulty.

The teenagers were rescued and taken to the lifeguard hut to warm up with blankets and hot drinks. However, neither of the two lifeguards involved in the rescue were from the local area. Nick Campbell also works on beaches in the North East of England and Giordano Ceccarelli lives in Edinburgh.

The charity RNLI stationed the lifeguards on the beach just last year and is the first Scottish beach to have lifeguards. The RNLI are trying to recruit local people.

For more information about becoming a lifeguard, visit the RNLI website here.)

The RNLI also offer beach safety advice for the summer. The beach finder app will allow you to search for lifeguarded beaches and is free on Apple and Android devices. It will also tell you weather and tide information.

For information about the beach finder app, click here and then scan the QR code on the page.

The top beach safety tips from the RNLI are:

  • Wherever possible, swim at a lifeguarded beach. Go to goodbeachguide.co.uk to search for listings throughout the UK

  • Always read and obey the safety signs, usually found at the entrance to the beach. These will help you avoid potential hazards on the beach and identify the safest areas for swimming.

  • When on a lifeguarded beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them – this area is patrolled by lifeguards.

  • Never swim alone

  • If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.

  • If you see someone in difficulty, don't attempt a rescue. Tell a lifeguard, or, if you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

  • If you are hiring equipment for a surfsport, try to do so from a member of the Surf Hire Safety Scheme. Scheme members check equipment regularly for damage, rent out equipment suitable to your ability and offer safety advice for the local area