Seaton Town Council launches water safety awareness initiative

Following the roll out of new water safety advice in Lyme Regis, Seaton Town Council has partnered with the RNLI and East Devon District Council to extend the initiative to the Seaton area.

The iconic starfish sticker can now be seen on all the life rings along Seaton beach and Axmouth harbour.

From paddleboarding and kayaking, to sailing power boating, surfing and open water swimming, anyone planning to go into or onto the water can simply scan the starfish QR code to access the wide range of water safety advice and tidal information held on Seaton Town Council's website.

Steve Shaw, volunteer water safety adviser at Lyme Regis lifeboat station, said: "Providing accurate water safety information to the many different groups who access our local waters is a vital part of the RNLI's mission to save lives at sea.

"Our team has worked with Seaton Town Council and East Devon District Council to produce this locally focussed sticker which allows access to water safety information by anyone who carries a smartphone.

"Just scan the QR code to go directly to the advice you need for your water activity. You can find starfish stickers on all the seafront life rings as well as in local kiosks, stores and eateries.

"Launching the starfish initiative now is very timely because July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day. The starfish is one local initiative which will reduce the risk of drowning for water users through raising awareness of safety on and in the sea."

The Mayor of Seaton, Cllr Amrik Singh, added: "Seaton Town Council is fully committed to the safety of its residents and visitors and is delighted to have worked in partnership with EDDC and the RNLI to assist with funding this campaign to raise awareness of the importance of water safety.

"Water safety information leaflets for adults and children can also be found in Seaton's Tourist Information Centre on the seafront."

Water safety advice can be found at https://seaton.gov.uk/water-safety/ or follow RNLI Lyme Regis Water Safety on Facebook.