Stay safe on north Norfolk’s beaches
Families preparing to head for north Norfolk's beaches for the Bank Holiday weekend are being reminded how to stay safe in or by the North Sea.
The RNLI has issued a list of beach safety tips after it was revealed yesterday that its lifeguards helped nearly 50 people in trouble on Norfolk's beaches over four days last August Bank Holiday.
The figures show RNLI lifeguards came to the aid of 46 people, including the rescue of two people at Sea Palling.
The lifeguards, based at Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Sheringham, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth and Hemsby also gave major first aid to six people.
A further 32 beachgoers required minor first aid.
The lifeguards also found missing holidaymakers at Yarmouth and Cromer and offered general assistance to others.
The RNLI lifeboats were also kept busy last year with crews from Wells rescuing two people.
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This year the RNLI lifeguards will also be on patrol at East Runton beach.
Following the release of last year's statistics the organisation has issued these top tips on staying safe on the county's beaches:
Always swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags and always follow lifeguards' advice
If on a beach that does not have RNLI lifeguards check the weather and tides before going and read all safety signs carefully
Children should be supervised at all times
Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas
If you get in trouble in water stick your hand in the air and shout for help
If you see someone in trouble tell a lifeguard immediately - If no lifeguards are around call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard
Check the times of high and low tide before going to the beach to avoid getting stranded.
Steve Wills, RNLI beach safety manager, said: 'We know people want to enjoy their time at the beach so we are providing some basic advice to help them have fun safely.
'There have been several serious incidents around the coast already this summer so we hope people will take notice of the safety tips we are offering.'
For more information on beach safety advice visit www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety
The RNLI has also issued a set of safety tips for leisure craft users going out to sea at the bank holiday weekend.
Last year over the same period 65pc of RNLI lifeboat calls involved leisure craft in trouble.
The RNLI safety tips are always wear life jackets, learn how to handle your boat, always check the engines and carry spares, check the weather and tides before setting off, always carry a means for calling for help, such as a VHF radio or flares and tell others where you are going and when you expect to be back.
For further information visit www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety
