Sunderland landmarks to be lit up in campaign on water safety

Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire Bridge, Hylton Castle, Cliffe Park Lighthouse and Fulwell Mill will be illuminated in blue from dusk on Saturday, July 25, as the city marks World Drowning Prevention Day.

Sunderland City Council has joined forces with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to highlight the dangers of open water and cold water shock, and to raise awareness of what to do if you find yourself in trouble in open water.

People planning to swim in Sunderland should choose a swimming pool where lifeguards are on duty, or between the red and yellow flags on an RNLI lifeguarded beach.

RNLI Lifeguards are on duty every day from 10am to 6pm at Roker, Seaburn, and Cat and Dogs beaches throughout the summer, from late May until September 6.

Cllr Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said: “As a city by the sea we have access to some beautiful beaches, and we want our residents and visitors to be able to enjoy them safely.”

As part of this year’s campaign, the Council is supporting the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ message.

Nick Ayers, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead for the North and East, said: “Every life lost to drowning is one too many. On World Drowning Prevention Day, let’s commit to learning lifesaving skills, respecting the water, and looking out for one another. Together, we can save lives."

Visit RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution - Saving Lives at Sea at https://fave.co/45jMgai or www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-information at https://fave.co/4yC0fWv for lots of useful tips and advice.