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Haven's charity

Our national charity partner RNLI

We're very excited to announce that the RNLI have been exclusively chosen as Haven's national charity partner. As trusted British brands our partnership is a perfect fit. Our 'Safe & Secure' message reinforces the RNLI's message and work on safety in the water. Many of the RNLI's 238 lifeboat stations around the UK are next to our parks, their crews are on standby should any of our guests ever find themselves struggling out at sea. The RNLI provide a 24-hour sea rescue service in the UK and Ireland, lifeguards on many of our beaches as well as offering education in coastal communities and schools.

The RNLI has over the last couple of years faced more call outs than ever before. Whenever that call comes their volunteers go to the aid of anyone who needs their support. Because the RNLI is a charity, they rely on kind donations to give them the kit and training they need to stay safe and save lives at sea. If you wish to support their work please click here to donate today.

View our guide below on how to stay safe.

On the beach

Our picturesque parks are dotted up and down the UK’s coastline, so we want all our guests to make the most of the great outdoors and stay safe to maximise the fun factor. Before you head to the beach, have a look at some of the safety pointers in this video with some helpful advice from the RNLI.

Tides and currents

Tides can come in surprisingly quickly so when on the beach - keep an eye on where it is and how fast it is moving.

Rip currents

Rip currents are strong currents that can quickly take swimmers out of their depth. If you are caught by one, use the following procedure:

  • Stay calm and don't panic.

  • If you can stand, wade don't walk. If you have a board then keep hold of it to help you float

  • Raise your hand or shout for help

  • Never swim against the rip current, it will exhaust you

  • Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip current then make your way into shore

  • If you see anyone else in trouble, alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the lifeguard

Float to live

Remember:

  • Fight your instinct to thrash around

  • Lean back, extend your arms and legs

  • If you need to, gently move them around to help you float

  • Float until you can control your breathing

  • Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives

Flags explained

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Across the UK the RNLI provide additional support to holidaymakers on over 240 of Britain’s busiest beaches providing safety advice and helping to keep people safe. Please see some of their advice below to help you when at the coast.

  • Red and yellow flags mean the area is lifeguarded and these are the safest places to swim and bodyboard.

  • Black and white chequered flags mean an area for surfboards, kayaks and other non-powered crafts.

  • Orange windsocks show offshore or strong wind conditions - never use an inflatable when the sock is flying.

  • Red flags mean danger. Never go in the water when the red flag is up.

Sun Safety

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Remember the five S's of sun safety:

  • Sunscreen - slap on a high factor sunscreen.

  • Sun hat - stick on a hat big enough to protect face, neck and ears

  • Sunglasses - sport some shades that offer UV protection

  • Shoulders - slip on something to keep these covered

  • Shade - take extra care to seek shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest

For more information on the RNLI and beach safety visit the RNLI website.

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