Devon Lifesaving Coach Shares Water Safety Tips Amid Heatwave Lucy Allix, a coach at the Woolacombe Surf Life Saving Club, has emphasized the importance of water safety during the ongoing heatwave in Devon and Cornwall. As an experienced lifesaving instructor, Allix has witnessed firsthand the risks associated with swimming in warm weather, including incidents involving young surfers who required rescue despite their training. Her advice comes amid amber heat health alerts, which have prompted concerns about the dangers of cold water shock and overexertion. Allix, who grew up in the coastal region, described her early involvement in lifesaving as a formative experience. She began competing at a young age and represented England before retiring at 16 or 17. She likened competitive lifesaving to a sport for lifeguards, highlighting its focus on personal and collective safety in the water, as well as physical fitness. “It’s one of the hardest and most brutal sports,” she said, underscoring the physical and mental demands of the discipline. The coach stressed the importance of adhering to safety guidelines at beaches, particularly during periods of extreme heat. She recommended that swimmers and bodyboarders stay between the red and yellow flags, while hard-craft board users should remain within the black and white flag zones. Allix also urged individuals to avoid overexertion, advising them to take breaks, warm up, and return to the water gradually. “Don’t push yourself, don’t go in too long,” she emphasized. Her comments reflect a broader concern about the risks of entering the sea without proper preparation. Allix noted that many locals and visitors are eager to swim during hot weather but may not be aware of the dangers of cold water shock, especially for those unaccustomed to the sea.#heatwave #lucy_allix #woolacombe_surf_life_saving_club #devon #cornwall
