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02/07/2004
Half of parents don't know Coastguard is an emergency service
Around half of parents (49%) do not know that the Coastguard is an emergency service, new figures have revealed today.
According to the 'Sea Smart Safety Survey' undertaken by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), 49% of parents do not know that the Coastguard, like the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance, can be called by dialling 999.
Despite a 19% increase in the number of people needing rescuing or assistance at the seaside in 2003, the MCA Sea Smart Safety survey revealed that over half of parents interviewed (55%) would not call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they saw someone in difficulty in the sea. Of these, half (27%) would call 999 but wouldn't know which emergency service to ask for, causing a "dangerous delay" in assistance being provided.
Chief Coastguard, John Astbury said: "Time is of the essence when someone is in danger in the sea or on the surrounding beach or cliff tops. If there is any delay in sending out a Coastguard rescue team, lifeboat or helicopter then it can cost lives.
"As the weather is improving and another hot and long summer is predicted, it is essential that people are aware of the potential dangers and that they must call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anyone in trouble."
The MCA Sea Smart campaign, which promotes sea and beach safety to parents of young children, is urging parents to make sure that they and their children know what to do if the unexpected happens while at the beach.
To prevent a family day out "turning into a tragedy", the MCA Sea Smart campaign advises parents to: dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble; check the weather and tides before you leave; keep children within reach at all times; always tie inflatables to an adult on the shoreline; keep clear of cliff edges; and don't drink and drown - eating and drinking before swimming may give you cramps.
(MB)
According to the 'Sea Smart Safety Survey' undertaken by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), 49% of parents do not know that the Coastguard, like the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance, can be called by dialling 999.
Despite a 19% increase in the number of people needing rescuing or assistance at the seaside in 2003, the MCA Sea Smart Safety survey revealed that over half of parents interviewed (55%) would not call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they saw someone in difficulty in the sea. Of these, half (27%) would call 999 but wouldn't know which emergency service to ask for, causing a "dangerous delay" in assistance being provided.
Chief Coastguard, John Astbury said: "Time is of the essence when someone is in danger in the sea or on the surrounding beach or cliff tops. If there is any delay in sending out a Coastguard rescue team, lifeboat or helicopter then it can cost lives.
"As the weather is improving and another hot and long summer is predicted, it is essential that people are aware of the potential dangers and that they must call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anyone in trouble."
The MCA Sea Smart campaign, which promotes sea and beach safety to parents of young children, is urging parents to make sure that they and their children know what to do if the unexpected happens while at the beach.
To prevent a family day out "turning into a tragedy", the MCA Sea Smart campaign advises parents to: dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble; check the weather and tides before you leave; keep children within reach at all times; always tie inflatables to an adult on the shoreline; keep clear of cliff edges; and don't drink and drown - eating and drinking before swimming may give you cramps.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
