The heatwave has brought crowds flocking to Suffolk’s beaches as the school holidays get underway. Swimming in open water, including the sea and rivers, brings additional dangers for swimmers. The RNLI has issued these urgent beach safety tips to help.

Sadly there have already been eight lives lost during the heatwave, as swimmers look to cool down.

And three people had to be rescued by lifeguards, at Sea Palling in Norfolk, after being caught by a rip tide this week.

The RNLI has some top tips for swimmers and beach users, over safety when having fun by the sea.

Four step safety near water plan

They are:

Step 1) Stop and Think (look for signage, spot the dangers, seek the lifeguards and swim between the Red and Yellow Flags)

Step 2) Stay Together (Always go with friends and family and make sure a responsible adult is with you at all times)

Step 3) Float (If you do get into trouble or fall in to water unexpectedly simply float on your back and fight your instincts to trash around and panic)

Step 4) Call (shout for help, call 999/112 and ask for the relevant emergency services, describe what you see.)

And be safe in the water.