Stunning open letter details how lack of forewarning has led to current ‘impossible situation’ for RNLI

The RNLI has asked the government to restrict access to the beaches until lifeguards are back in place, and has bemoaned its lack of forewarning as it learned of lockdown easing at the same time as the public.

As well as an open letter (below) in which Mark Dowie, the RNLI’s Chief Executive, speaks of the ‘impossible situation’ the charity is in, outlining how tough last weekend was, he told The Telegraph “We’re asking the government to restrict access to the coast until we have lifeguard patrols back on beaches.”

Writing in the open letter about the choice of whether to put the charity’s lifeguards or the public at risk, Dowie says:

“Despite our warnings that there were no lifeguards on patrol this weekend, crowded beaches, hot weather and big waves meant our lifeboat crews had their busiest weekend so far this year. At least two people lost their lives.

“This puts the RNLI in an impossible situation. With thousands flocking to English beaches now lockdown restrictions have been eased, we must strike a balance that keeps the public and our lifeguards safe.

“Safety advice and warnings will only go so far when people are desperate to enjoy some freedom after weeks of lockdown. But, as a lifesaving charity, the RNLI cannot stop people going to beaches.

“Rolling out a lifeguard service – especially in a pandemic – is not as simple as putting a lifeguard on a beach. We found out about the easing of lockdown restrictions in England at the same time and in the same way as the general public. Contrast that with shops, which were given three weeks’ notice and even car showrooms have been given 7-days warning to prepare.

“We have to work out how to do in-water rescues and give first aid – normally conducted at close quarters and often with people coughing up water. We have to find PPE that will work on a beach and in the water – visors and aprons are no good on a rescue board. And we have to train our lifeguards in procedures to reduce the risk of infection. All this takes time and we learnt of the lifting of restrictions at the same time as everyone else.

“Lifesaving is our priority. But the fundamental sustainability of the charity is also a consideration. Local authorities contribute just 20% of the £20m needed to pay for a normal lifeguard season – the remaining £16m comes from RNLI donations. Right now, our charity faces an expected £45m shortfall in funding by the end of the year because many of our fundraising activities have had to stop.

Brighton Beach. Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

“No-one is to blame for the situation we find ourselves in. We’re asking everyone to help manage an impossible situation, so please follow our safety advice and think before you head to the coast.”

However, some beaches will begin to have lifeguards on patrol again in coming weeks.

“We are still talking to local authorities to finalise arrangements but should be starting lifeguard patrols on 15 English beaches this weekend,” Cowie told The Telegraph.

“People will see lifeguards on those beaches this week carrying out training and making final preparations for the start of the season.

“Eight of these beaches are in the south west. Lifeguards on two Jersey beaches started patrols last weekend.

“We are hoping to roll out the service on more beaches later in June, including beaches in Wales if lockdown restrictions are lifted.”

On Bank Holiday Monday alone, Her Majesty’s Coastguard responded to 192 incidents, the busiest day of the year so far.