Lifeguard warns beachgoers of one major mistake that can lead to drowning

27 May 2023 , 00:22

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A lifeguard has warned swimmers of one of the biggest mistakes they can make while in the water. File image (Image: Getty Images)

A lifeguard has advised members of the British public heading for the beach this bank holiday weekend to stay safe, outlining a series of easy mistakes that could put swimmers in danger.

Tarryn Brown, 37, revealed to The Sun that anyone venturing into the sea should take stock of one major piece of advice – to swim only in places with lifeguards present.

She said: "Water may look nice and calm but underneath there could be currents, and there could be snag hazards.

"We see it all the time where people go swimming in canals or water with no lifeguards and they’ve been getting themselves into trouble.

“People should also only go swimming between 10am and 6pm because that is when lifeguards are on duty."

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Swimmers in difficulties should lie on their back in a 'starfish' position. File image (Getty Images)

The RNLI lifeguard also went on to issue further advice for staying safe in water, stating that anyone who gets into difficulties should do the lifesaving trick ‘float to live’.

The trick involves the swimmer lying on their back in a starfish position and putting their head back.

The move enables anyone who is in trouble to stay calm, until they are able to swim back to safety or wave for help.

Tarryn then went on to say that anyone who has seen someone in danger should not enter the water, but to stay on land, raise the alarm and call 999 instead.

She said that water is “unpredictable” and that even “calm-looking water” can be deceiving and be actually unsafe

The lifeguard added that a person who has entered difficulties is likely to grab onto a person who has entered the water to save them, and that a lifeguard is the best person to deal with the situation.

Instead, the rescuer should look for buoyancy aids or life rafts that can be thrown into the water for the person to hold onto until help arrives.

Tarryn warned the public to be careful of not getting too much sun, with heat exhaustion and dehydration leading people into making bad decisions.

She said: "People need to make sure they’re keeping hydrated and make sure they’re wearing sunblock. If you think you’re getting too much sun get in the shade and if you don’t feel 100 per cent then don’t get into the water."

Sophie Goodall