Lifeguard supervisor Leon Driver and senior lifeguard Dan Evans welcomed teenagers from Limpsfield Grange School to Camber beach alongside representatives from Rother District Council coastal office who work closely with the RNLI lifeguards on the beaches.
Alongside safety advice, the teens were shown the equipment that the lifeguards use to rescue people in trouble at sea such as the rescue boards. Also on show was the rescue water craft that is used to reach people who have been swept further out to sea.
A demonstration on how to ‘Float to Live’ saw the teens joining in and practising their technique.
The lifeguards explained the importance of:
- Holding on to a flotation device if you have one OR lying on your back with your arms and legs outstretched
- Remaining calm and controlling your breathing
- Shouting for help and raising your hand once you feel able
Key safety advice was given and the lifeguards explained the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags.
The RNLI lifeguards are expecting a busier summer than ever this year with the rise in staycations. Beaches like Camber Sands often see tens of thousands of people at one time and so the lifeguards encourage people to prepare for a beach visit by following the RNLI’s safety advice on the website.
Hugh Richardson, RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor for East Sussex, says: ‘We are expecting a very busy summer and so being able to teach beach safety to those most likely to visit the beaches is so important to us. We would always encourage people to choose a lifeguarded beach so that there are lifeguards on patrol to help if needed.’
Source: RNLI
