Inflatables Can be Dangerous so Use Common Sense - Not the RNLI!

There are many incidents involving inflatable boats and toys on our beaches every year.  Here in North Norfolk an inshore lifeboat recently had a ‘shout’ to launch and search for an inflatable boat spotted drifting on the current. It turned out the inflatable had been vacated by children who swam to shore.  Fortunately, there was no loss of life in this instance but what a needless waste of RNLI resources and the brave volunteers who give up their time to man the lifeboats. 

We worry about critters like jellyfish and sharks and pollution on beaches, but a bigger hazard is often the use of inflatable rafts and toys. Over the years there have been calls for changes in the law to ban inflatables on beaches as they are really only suitable for use in swimming pools.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Beach Safety  and Shorething campaigns are designed to educate families about the dangers present at the seaside and we recommend that anyone heading for a beach holiday take a look before setting off.  If there is a lifeguard-patrolled beach at your destination take the children there.  The Marine Conservation Society website has a Good Beach Guide which contains a list of lifeguard-patrolled beaches and explains the coloured flags, as well as RNLI safety booklets which can be downloaded to take with you.

Don’t forget to pack a good family Travel Insurance policy along with the swimsuits and snorkels.  If driving to a UK or European beach take out Vehicle Breakdown cover - your ‘lifeboat for the road’.  For more information about the RNLI and the great work they do, or to make a donation to this worthy cause click here. 

This entry was posted on Friday, August 8th, 2008 at 10:56 am and is filed under Europe, Holiday Destinations, Travel News .

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