Stay off the beach and out of the water – The RNLI's message to Sidmouth

Stay out of the sea this Easter Bank Holiday - that's the message to Sidmouth residents from the RNLI and Surfing England.

The RNLI have issued fresh guidance advising the public that they should not take part in any water based activity on or in the sea this Bank Holiday weekend.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI, said: "We know people who live at the coast still want to exercise by the sea, but when you do this, please think of the potential impact of your actions on RNLI lifeboat volunteers and other emergency services.

"While you could be fully competent and never needed to be rescued, by going out on the water you could encourage others who are less proficient to take part in similar activities.

'Since lockdown was introduced around the UK coast, our lifeboats have been called out all too often to rescue people. So if you do go for a walk or a run at the coast, please follow the RNLI's safety advice."

-Take care near cliffs - know your route and your limitations

-Check the weather forecast and tide times

-If you fall into the water unexpectedly FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

-In any coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard

Gareth added: "Our lifeboat crews are still at the ready 24/7 – thanks to their own courage in a time of crisis, and the generosity of our supporters. Sadly, though, we can't arrange fundraising events, open our shops, or welcome people to lifeboat stations at the moment, which means our ability to fundraise has been severely impacted. This could be the biggest storm the RNLI has ever faced."

The current government guidance remains to stay at home other than for the essential travel, shopping, collecting medicines and exercise.

A spokesperson for Surfing England said: "With the bank holiday upon us, sunshine and some clean swell, the temptation to slip into your wetsuit and walk in for a few waves will be at its max.

"We ask everyone to remember the frontline staff who today will be slipping into their protective gear and walking into intensive care wards across the country to care for and support those infected by Covid 19.

"We all have tough personal choices to make. Our preference is to stay out the water. We hope you will join us, and the thousands of surfers who are standing in solidarity with the NHS, doing every little we can to help prevent the spread of Covid 19 and reducing the pressure on all our frontline services.

"The current state is temporary, it will end, and the waves will still be there for us when it does."