RESCUERS have issued urgent safety warnings ahead of the long weekend telling coastal visitors: 'Make sure it's a day to remember rather than one you would rather forget.'

HM Coastguard is reminding the public of its top safety tips to avoid spoiling the final days of summer, with many expected to enjoy the bank holiday weekend at the coast.

The Met Office is forecasting largely dry and sunny weather between Saturday and Monday.

Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, said: “Regardless of how well you know the coast, or how experienced you are in your chosen sport, the sea can still catch you out, the cliffs can prove treacherous and even a momentary lapse of concentration can put you into difficulty.

“We will always respond to those in need but please remember the choices you make may put you and the people you care about at risk. Enjoy the final days of summer but stay safe and call 999 if you need us.”

Coastguard tips to 'avoid a bank holiday weekend from hell'.

1 - Be prepared

Check weather and tides before you set out, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Always take a phone or other means of calling help. If you’re heading for a swim, go to a lifeguarded beach.

2 - Float to live

The RNLI recommends following five simple steps if you’re struggling in the water:

• Fight your instinct to thrash around

• Lean back, extending your arms and legs

• Gently move your arms and legs to float if you need to

• Float until you control your breathing

• Only then call 999, shout for help or swim to safety.

3 - Leave inflatable boats and toys at home or take them to a pool

Blow up boats and toys can be easily swept out to sea, especially in an offshore wind.

4 - Keep a close eye on your children

Agree a recognisable meeting point in case people become disorientated. You may want to take advantage of local wristband schemes for younger children.

5 - Don’t encourage tombstoning or bow to peer pressure

Jumping from piers, cliffs, rocks or other structures into the sea can be very dangerous. Cold water shock can take hold and currents can sweep people away.

6 - Swim parallel to the beach and be wary of currents

Swim on a lifeguarded beach if you can and stay within your depth.

7 - Follow our safety advice on coastal paths

Wear sturdy shoes or boots and check the weather forecast and tidal times before you set out. Carry a mobile phone and tell someone where you are going and what time you will be home.

8 - Beware of cliff falls

You shouldn’t stand less than the height of the cliff away when you’re at the bottom of a cliff face. That means that if the cliff is 25 metres high, don’t go closer than 25 metres towards it.

9 - Wear a personal flotation device if you need to

10 - Keep your dog on a lead and leave animal rescues to the experts

11 - Stay calm if you get stuck in mud

Try and spread your weight as much as possible and avoid moving.  Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

12 - Surf at lifeguarded beaches and with instructors if needed

Wherever possible, surf at a lifeguarded beach and follow the advice of the lifeguards. If you’re a beginner, never hire a surfboard without being given instruction or a lesson from an approved British Surfing Association or International Surfing Association school or qualified instructor. Surf between the black and white flags.

13 - Don’t mix alcohol and the sea

Alcohol is a contributory factor in a significant number of coastal drownings every year.

14 - Plan ahead for paddleboarding

Ideally wear a wet suit, a flotation device and a leash. Stick to one person per board. Check the tides and conditions in advance, as well as having someone with you in case you need help. If you go alone, tell someone where you’re going, when you expect to return and always carry a charged-up mobile phone in a water-proofed bag.

15 - Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency