A JOINT safety campaign has been launched by the RNLI and HM Coastguard.

It comes as the charity’s lifeguards and lifeboat crews across the south west prepare for the summer as people choose to 'staycation' due to continued uncertainty over foreign holidays and international travel - bringing an expected £3.5billion to the south west economy, according to the RNLI.

A new study commissioned by the RNLI revealed around 30 million people plan to visit the UK's coastline this summer - with many set to head to south Dorset.

As part of the study, the RNLI revealed 75 person of people aged 16 to 64 expect to visit a UK beach or the coast between April and September - with around half of that number likely to do so three or more times.

Ahead of what is anticipated to be a busy bank holiday weekend (May 29 to June 1) and half-term holidays - the RNLI and coastguard are urging everyone to choose lifeguarded beaches when they visit the coast.

A south west RNLI spokesman said: "Last summer, RNLI lifeguards patrolling beaches across the south west recorded nearly nine million visitors.

"We're expecting this year to be the busiest ever.

"We want people to think about their safety and know what to do in an emergency.

"Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags."

A HM Coastguard spokeswoman said: "Before setting out, take a minute to check the weather, tides and winds to help avoid getting caught out.

"Leave inflatables at home as they are designed for the pool, not open water - where the wind and current can quickly take you out to sea and into danger."

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