Eastbourne’s Beach Lifeguards Highlight Dinghy Dangers

 

13 June 2007

Eastbourne’s beach lifeguards are warning bathers about the dangers of using inflatable dinghies in the sea.

 

A number of recent incidents have called upon the skills of lifeguards to rescue bathers who have encountered difficulties whilst using inflatables.

 

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism & Environment, Councillor Steve Wallis said “We want everyone to enjoy the sea at Eastbourne, but is worth remembering the dangers. We would advise against using inflatables in the sea, but for those who want to, we have produced a beach safety leaflet that gives advice on how to stay safe whilst having fun.”

 

Top tips include:
• Ask a lifeguard before taking an inflatable onto the water and always follow their advice
• Never take an inflatable out in strong winds, high waves or fog
• Children’s inflatables should have a line connected which can be held by an adult on the shore to ensure the dinghy doesn’t stray too far
• Only use inflatables between the red/yellow flags

 

The leaflet also includes advice on safe swimming and sunbathing, as well as the Kidz Safe scheme, which provides free waterproof wristbands to children. Parents can write their contact details on these wristbands to help reunite them should the children become lost.

 

The latest incident involving inflatables saw Eastbourne’s beach lifeguards ably assist the Eastbourne RNLI and Eastbourne Coastguard rescue team in a full air-sea search operation to rescue four teenagers adrift in a dinghy.

 

Pick up a leaflet and a Kidz Safe wristband from the Bandstand, lifeguard stations or the Seafront Office, visit www.visiteastbourne.com/seafront for more top tips or contact the Tourist Information Centre on  0871 663 0031.