RNLI issues warning ahead of 'deadliest month'

Credit: PA

The RNLI is warning people to respect the water ahead of their 'deadliest month'. They say more people die in the month of August than any other time of year.

The rescue charity said they've rescued 16 people in the last five years in the month of August. The number of near fatal incidents is also at it's highest.

The RNLI is encouraging people to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard when they spot someone in danger. It comes as research, they carried out, found that only 17 per cent of people in the UK said they would call 999 immediately if they saw someone fall into open water.

The charity’s lifeboat crews in Wales launched their lifeboats in response to 278 emergencies. Credit: PA

This is also the busiest time of year for the RNLI’s lifesavers. Last August the charity’s lifeboat crews in Wales launched their lifeboats in response to 278 emergencies.

The RNLI has launched an anti-drowning campaign calling on people to help save more lives by fighting the instinct to swim hard and remembering key survival skills:

  • Ignore your instincts to jump in after someone in danger, stop and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

  • Despite warmer weather, water temperatures can still be low and cause cold-water shock if you fall in.

  • If this happens don't gasp and swim hard as this can lead to drowning. instead float for 60-90 seconds until you catch your breath and can get to safety or call for help.

The charity has released a video warning people of the dangers.