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STAYING SAFE
I’m a lifeguard – urgent warning for Brits heading to the seaside this bank holiday weekend
A LIFEGUARD has issued an urgent warning for Brits heading to the seaside this bank holiday weekend.
Tarryn Brown, 37, revealed that swimmers could be putting themselves in danger if they make a number of easy mistakes in the water.
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She told The Sun: "The most important thing is to only swim where there are lifeguards.
"Water may look nice and calm but underneath there could be currents, and there could be snag hazards.
"We see it all the time where people go swimming in canals or water with no lifeguards and they’ve been getting themselves into trouble.
"People should also only go swimming between 10am and 6pm because that is when lifeguards are on duty."
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The RNLI lifeguard shared her expert advice for staying safe in the sea if you do go to the beach this bank holiday weekend.
Tarryn said: "The number one thing to remember if you get into trouble is ‘float to live’ - it saves people's lives.
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"If you're getting into bother lie back on your back, lie like a starfish and put your head back.
"It allows you to be able to keep calm either until you’re ale to get yourself back to safety by swimming or until you’re able to wave and call for help.
She added: "Until you’re in the water you might not realise how dangerous it is. Water is very unpredictable.
"If you see someone in danger while you're on land you should never, ever get into the water yourself.
"If you get into the water to help someone who is in danger they are most likely grab onto you. This will get you into danger.
"You need to stay on land and raise the alarm. Call 999."
While you wait for the lifeguard, tell the person in the water to adopt Tarryn's "starfish" position floating still in the water.
Then look for any buoyancy aids or life rafts that you can throw in to get them to hold on to.
WATER MESS
Tarryn said: "The biggest mistake people make is thinking that water looks safe and not understanding the conditions.
"We’ve had a huge spike in rescues since the weather has improved because people think that the water looks calm.
"Wind is also a danger. If wind is blowing out to sea it can veer you away from the shoreline.
She added: "It's really important not to take calm-looking water for granted.
"Heat exhaustion and dehydration also lead people into danger because people make bad decisions.
"People need to make sure they’re keeping hydrated and make sure they’re wearing sunblock.
"If you think you’re getting too much sun get in the shade and if you don’t feel 100 per cent then don’t get into the water."
It comes after a boy, 11, was swept out to sea before being sucked into a whirlpool and tragically drowning.
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Another boy died after being pulled from a river when firefighters rushed to reports of teens in the water.
For information on the RNLI's water safety advice, click .
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