THE Met Office is encouraging people to be ‘WeatherReady’ this Bank Holiday weekend as temperatures are set to rise and many are expected to head outdoors and to the coast.

With lifeguard rescues having more than doubled last year according to the RNLI, planning ahead is important. Using tools such as the beach forecasts on the Met Office app helps people to better understand local conditions and stay safe.

This second May Bank Holiday marks the unofficial start of summer for many, and with heatwave criteria possible for some, millions of people across the UK are expected to flock to the coast to enjoy a day at the beach.

But while the beach can be a great place to relax and recharge, it can also present hidden risks. Last year, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards helped save more than 36,000 people across UK beaches – a figure that more than doubled compared to the previous year – highlighting the importance of planning ahead and knowing how to stay safe.

Working alongside trusted water safety partners such as the RNLI, the Met Office is encouraging people to be #WeatherReady and understand the weather and sea conditions before they head out, so they can make informed decisions and enjoy the coast safely.

Met Office Head of Warnings and Guidance, Holly Clements, who leads its response in times of severe weather, said: ‘Warm weather on a Bank Holiday draws people outside, but the weather at the coast can change quickly, and conditions like tides, waves and wind can all affect safety at the beach.

‘Sun protection is particularly important here as reflective surfaces like sand and water amplify UV radiation that can damage skin and eyes, even when it’s cloudy.

‘The air temperature may feel hot at the weekend, however water temperature in our seas is still cool at this time of year.

‘By checking the forecast and following simple safety advice, people can reduce the risks and make the most of their time by the sea.

‘Being WeatherReady means having the right information to make informed choices’.

For more information, including the RNLI’s 10 beach safety tips, visit the Met Office website.