Brett Shepherd, Lifeguard Manager, provides some timely advice for those planning a trip to the beach as the Easter weekend approaches.

As many of our RNLI lifeguards head back to British beaches this weekend, I’m hoping for some lovely weather to herald the start of the season. But the affect winter storms have had around the coast mean that many of the country’s most popular beaches are looking very different to this time last year.

Unprecedented storms over the winter have changed the make-up of some beaches, with sand dunes in some areas being washed away leaving sheer sand cliffs. On other beaches, access points to and from the beach have changed and shifting sand has left deep channels that in turn create strong rip currents.

Our RNLI lifeguards, who have been patrolling the country’s beaches since 2001, will be keeping visitors safe on 33 beaches across the UK over the Easter bank holiday weekend. Whilst we’re hoping lots of people head out to enjoy our glorious coast, there are a couple of easy safety steps we’re urging people to take following the winter storms.

Firstly, always head to lifeguarded beaches; they are far safer environments and will help offer you peace of mind. You can download a special ‘Beach Finder’ app from our website which will tell you where the nearest lifeguarded beaches are, or check with local authorities. We’d also urge people planning on visiting a beach to check local information in advance, as the beach environment may have changed dramatically since your last visit.

Swimmers should ensure that they swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark out the safest area to swim and are patrolled by lifeguards. Lifeguards are always on hand to offer beach safety information and advice, and please take heed of local safety signage.

By highlighting the dangers before visitors arrive at the beach, we hope that we can avoid potential incidents and everyone can enjoy their time on the beach in safety.

RNLI lifeguard rescue. Copyright Nigel Millar