The life-saving tricks all Brits need to know if swimming in the sea this summer

ALL Brits need to know several life-saving pieces of advice before swimming in the sea this summer.

Last week, Sunnah Khan, 12, and Joe Abbess, 17, sadly lost their lives after getting into difficulty in the water.

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Witnesses and bystanders who were at the tragic scene have since described seeing “riptides” and “strong currents” in the water by Bournemouth Pier.

While the police investigation is ongoing, the devastating loss of young lives has renewed a fresh wave of calls for water safety awareness.

Days after the incident, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, more commonly known as the RNLI, updated its life-saving guidance.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI, said: “Tragically we have seen a number of water-related fatalities in recent weeks, so we’re urging the public to remember some water safety advice which could be life-saving.”

As a first port of call, Brits are being encouraged to swim at beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards.

There holidaymakers should swim between designated areas marked with red and yellow flags.

But even with the added safety of lifeguards, the RNLI has issued life-saving around riptides.

Mr Morrison explained: “Rip currents, which are channels of fast-flowing water running out to sea, can be difficult to spot and can catch out even the most confident and prepared swimmers.

“If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.”

While riptides are difficult to spot, they can sometimes be identified by a “channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface”.

Brits who are unsure about a riptide can ask a lifeguard for their advice too.

Gareth also encouraged holidaymakers to check weather and tide times before heading to the beach, as they can vary in some areas.

He added: “Finally, we’d like to remind people what to do in the event of an emergency.

“If you, yourself, are struggling in the water, relax and float until you can catch your breath – then swim to safety or call for help.

“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The UK is home to plenty of beaches for any Brit holidaymakers who want to responsibly enjoy a weekend by the sea.

One little-known beach has been named the best beach in the UK.

The UK has some other amazing beaches too.

Blackpool Sands in Devon was listed as the best in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller and even has its own music festival in the summer.

Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, was voted one of the best beaches in the UK in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023.

And one UK beach even has its own wild ponies.

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