RNLI issues warning after Boris Johnson says people can swim in the sea instead of pools
Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivers a statement to the House of Commons on COVID-19. Photograph: PA Wire. - Credit: PA
The RNLI has issued a warning after Boris Johnson ruled out opening up swimming pools in the easing of coronavirus lockdown, but claimed people can use lakes and the sea.
Johnson told MPs in the House of Commons 'we can't do anything for swimming pools' but changes to allow people to access lakes and the sea will kick in from Wednesday because there is a 'lower risk outdoors than indoors', reiterating there will be no limits on the frequency of outdoor exercise during the easing of the lockdown measures.
The prime minister told the Commons about the upcoming changes: 'You can now walk, sit and rest in parks, you can play sports and exercise and you can do all these things with members of your own household or with one other person from another household provided you observe social distancing and remain two metres apart.
'I do hope that's clear.'
But a spokesperson for the RNLI reminded the public of the dangers of swimming in the sea at this time.
You may also want to watch:
They said: 'At present there are no RNLI lifeguards on beaches and although our volunteer lifeboat crews are fully operational, should they be needed, it is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risk and takes the necessary steps to keep themselves safe.
'This will also help to reduce the demands placed on our lifeboat crews and other emergency services including HM Coastguard. In this way we can all work together to succeed in ensuring the coast is a safe place to visit.'
Most Read
- 1 Brexiteer Prue Leith quits Tory Party after government votes down motion to protect UK food standards
- 2 Piers Morgan must expose the government's Brexit betrayal
- 3 Public slams Brexit Party tweet which shames Tory MPs who voted against free school meals
- 4 Peers set to remove law-breaking sections of Boris Johnson's Brexit bill
- 5 Group in protest against Tory MPs who voted down free school meals targets offices with empty plates
- 6 Tory minister blames journalists for NHS Test and Trace failure as he defends Dido Harding
- 7 Michel Barnier postpones Brussels return as Brexit trade talks in London continue
- 8 James Cleverly mocked after telling people to 'look at how they're doing in Wales'
- 9 Dido Harding is struggling to defend the indefensible
- 10 UKIP set to select 'Dr Gammons' as candidate for London mayoral election
Johnson's comments raised eyebrows with the general public, with concerns about the impact it will have on coastguards.
One tweeted: 'Johnson now telling people to swim in the sea. Coastguard must be thrilled.'
Another posted: 'Can see the coastguards being busy with Covidiots swimming in the sea 'cos Boris said they can'.
'Did Boris just drown people in lakes and the sea?' asked @NotesFromFarm.
Matt Rushbrooke tweeted: 'Yeah, I'm not convinced they're safer than an indoor swimming pool with a life guard literally watching you... '
Megan Devlin commented: 'Has Boris Johnson actually just said that because they can't open swimming pools people should go and SWIM IN LAKES instead ???? I'm sure that's much safer!'
AM Daniels wrote: 'Getting horrid visions of the beaches being packed... herd immunity through the back door, I guess.'
'I'm wondering if he threw the sea swimming bit in there by accident,' wrote Nicki Welding. 'Stand by the RNLI and coastguard as lemmings run to the sea...'
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
