AS the UK and Ireland braces for the first named storm of the season, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is asking those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers.
Yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office and Met Éireann with winds forecast to reach 80mph and heavy rain expected from midday Wednesday until early Thursday morning.
Storm Agnes poses a safety risk to those visiting the coast and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.
The most powerful winds are expected to hit the Irish Sea coasts but strong winds will still affect western regions of the UK and Ireland. Heavy rainfall is also forecast for Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.
RNLI Water Safety Partner, Sam Hughes, said: ‘The forecasted strong winds along with heavy rain are likely to cause dangerous conditions for those visiting the coast around the UK and Ireland.
‘The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
‘If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.’
The RNLI advice is:
Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
Take a phone with you
In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
