Mark Dowie, the Chief Executive of the RNLI, has called on the Government to restrict public access to many of the UK’s beaches until lifeguards can return to duty.
Mr Dowie issued an open letter after two people died – including a 17-year-old girl – in separate incidents along the Cornish coast on Bank Holiday Monday.
It has been reported that the 17-year-old girl drowned after she became trapped beneath a boat that had capsized.
The second victim, a male, had been pulled from the water by beach-goers after he was found face-down in the sea.
In the letter, Mr Dowie said:
“Despite our warnings that there were no lifeguards on patrol this weekend, crowded beaches, hot weather and big waves meant our lifeboat crews had their busiest weekend so far this year. At least two people lost their lives.
“This puts the RNLI in an impossible situation. With thousands flocking to English beaches now lockdown restrictions have been eased, we must strike a balance that keeps the public and our lifeguards safe.
“Safety advice and warnings will only go so far when people are desperate to enjoy some freedom after weeks of lockdown. But, as a lifesaving charity, the RNLI cannot stop people from going to beaches.
“Rolling out a lifeguard service – especially in a pandemic – is not as simple as putting a lifeguard on a beach. We found out about the easing of lockdown restrictions in England at the same time and in the same way as the general public. Contrast that with shops, which were given three weeks’ notice and even car showrooms have been given 7-days warning to prepare.
“We have to work out how to do in-water rescues and give first aid – normally conducted at close quarters and often with people coughing up water.
“We have to find PPE that will work on a beach and in the water – visors and aprons are no good on a rescue board. And we have to train our lifeguards in procedures to reduce the risk of infection. All this takes time, and we learnt of the lifting of restrictions at the same time as everyone else.
“Lifesaving is our priority. But the fundamental sustainability of the charity is also a consideration. Local authorities contribute just 20% of the £20M needed to pay for a normal lifeguard season – the remaining £16M comes from RNLI donations.
“Right now, our charity faces an expected £45M shortfall in funding by the end of the year because many of our fundraising activities have had to stop.
“No-one is to blame for the situation we find ourselves in.
“We’re asking everyone to help manage an impossible situation, so please follow our safety advice and think before you head to the coast”.
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