Storm Austen: the RNLI’s warning before you head to Cornwall’s coast

A big sea draws a crowd. Waves exploding over a harbour wall, spray hanging in the air, the whole coastline roaring. It’s tempting to get close.

That’s exactly what the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is asking people not to do as Storm Austen moves in.

What Storm Austen is expected to bring

The storm is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the South West from late Thursday (22 October) into Friday (23 October).

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, with winds forecast to reach more than 70mph in coastal locations along the south coast of England.

The heavy rain adds to the risk for anyone visiting the coast, and the lifesaving charity is urging people to take extreme caution at the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs and seafronts.

RNLI Water Safety Manager Ross Macleod said: “Storm Austen is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.”

Red flags on lifeguarded beaches

Some RNLI lifeguarded beaches across the South West are still operating over half term, but conditions may be extremely challenging.

Lifeguards may decide to fly red flags where the sea is considered too dangerous to enter. A red flag means do not go in the water.

Beaches without lifeguard cover will be particularly hazardous during the storm, and visitors are urged to stay well back from the water’s edge.

📷Exmouth Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn 13-03 at sea during a training exercise. Credit: RNLI/Harrison Bates

If you end up in the water: Float to Live

Cold water and big waves can overwhelm anyone. The RNLI’s advice is to fight the instinct to thrash about and float instead.

Ross said: “If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: Lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing before then calling for help or swimming to safety.”

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety

If you see someone else in trouble: Phone, Float, Throw

Going in after someone is one of the most dangerous things you can do.

Ross said: “If you see someone else in danger, do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw. Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard, tell the struggling person to float, throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.”

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help
• Float: tell the struggling person to Float to Live
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring

📷Perran Sands Lifeguards standing watch under red flag conditions. Credit: RNLI/Peter Hancock