THE RNLI is urging the public to stay safe when visiting the coast during the heatwave this week due to winding down some of its lifeguard services in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Temperatures are set to rise to 29 degrees by midweek, and with kids back in school the RNLI is winding down its beach lifeguard service which runs throughout the peak summer season.
Lifeguards patrols in Whitmore Bay in Barry ended on Sunday, September 3.
Chris Cousens, RNLI regional water safety lead said: "With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast.
"As the peak season finishes for RNLI lifeguards and with a reduction of lifeguarded beaches, we’re asking people to continue to take care and be aware of the dangers.
This is what a rip tide looks like (Image: RNLI)
"If you are planning on swimming at a lifeguarded beach, we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the safest area and is most closely monitored by lifeguards.”
Patrols for the Vale of Glamorgan’s lifeguarded beaches Coney Beach, Southerndown, Ogmore, and Llantwit Major were stopped on August 3.
He added: “If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing.
"Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
“If you get caught in a rip current, the advice is not to swim against it or you will get exhausted.
"If you can, stand up and wade, or swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the rip then head to shore.”
Last weekend, Sunday, September 3, two swimmers were rescued by The Barry Coastguard after getting into difficulty at Nell’s Point between Jackson Bay and Whitmore Bay.
Members of the public helped people in the water by assisting them to the foreshore after calling 999 to the coastguard.
RNLI lifeguards Rest Bay will continue to be patrolled every day until September 17, while Trecco Bay will be patrolled every day until September 24.
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