WITH half term approaching next week, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging anyone, who is able under government guidelines to visit the coast, to stay safe.

The RNLI has been under particular strain this year as its ability to raise vital funds has been affected by the pandemic, which has cancelled events and forced it to close its shops – a key source of income.

Every time a lifeboat crew is called to an incident, it puts additional pressure on RNLI volunteers and other front-line emergency services.

It is important to remember that whenever RNLI volunteers are called out they also run the risk of potentially being exposed to Covid-19.

As of March, the lifesaving RNLI charity has spent £1.2 million nationally to ensure its crews have the correct PPE.

RNLI water safety coordinator, Joel Ninnes, says:

‘With schools closed over the half-term and a break in online learning, it is likely we will see people lucky enough to live close to the coast using it to exercise. We are encouraging everyone to follow Government guidance on what they are able to do and where they are able to go during lockdown.

‘The school holiday will look very different this year, but for those able to use the coast for exercise, we would urge them to familiarise themselves with local risks and be as safe as possible and not put unnecessary strain on front line services.’

The RNLI are advising people to stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges, check tide times before going out, take a phone, and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if there is any trouble.

Additional safety advice at www.rnli.org/safety

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