No RNLI lifeguards in place at Southsea seafront for bank holiday weekend

Due to the national lockdown and government guidance, the RNLI has said there will be no lifeguard service in Southsea across from Saturday until Tuesday, but RNLI Lifeboat volunteers and HM Coastguard crews will be on call.

A reduced lifeguard service will be in place across Southsea throughout the summer.

It comes as the warmer weather continues to draw people to beaches across the UK - creating more work for the lifesaving service.

Last weekend, rescue teams were called out 194 times in the UK to incidents including crashed jet skis and inflatables drifting offshore, as well as paddleboarders, kayakers, windsurfers, and kite surfers in difficulty.

The RNLI advises people using the water to stay in sight of others, avoid using inflatables, and call 999 and ask for the coastguard in the event of an emergency.

Anyone who unexpectedly falls into water is advised to remain calm, not thrash against the water, and lean into a floating position.

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