Wirral lifeguards' beach warning for Easter break (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral lifeguards' beach warning for Easter break

9:18am Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

As the Easter break approaches, lifeguards are urging people to take care on the borough’s coastlines.

Unseasonably cold weather combined with the earliness of Easter mean that water temperatures of five degrees centigrade are expected.

Even short-term immersion at this temperature can cause hypothermia, with particular danger for the very young and elderly, and is to be avoided.

Wirral Council’s Beach Lifeguards begin operational duties this weekend and are on hand to ensure as far as possible the safety of coastal zone users.

Councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “We are hopefully nearing the end of what has been an extremely long and difficult winter. Unfortunately the temperature has not risen and we are still seeing really cold weather despite the approach of spring.

"I would urge those visiting our fantastic beaches to read tide times in advance and be aware of how they can find help.”

Beaches at West Kirby, Meols, Moreton and Wallasey all have Wirral Council seasonal lifeguards patrolling at peak times and have nearby toilet facilities.

They also provide information on tide times and other local environmental conditions, as well as maps showing restrictions for water and beach users and promoting safe areas for bathers.

Tide timetables are displayed on the noticeboard on Dee Lane, West Kirby and can also be viewed on http://www.tidetimes.org.uk.

For tide times or advice on visiting Hilbre Islands, call 0151 648 4371.

The council recommends that if you have any doubts about safety around coastal areas, always ask a lifeguard and only ever bathe in areas in which a lifeguard is on duty and the red and yellow flags are flying.