THE RNLI is urging people to put their safety first when visiting the coast after figures revealed that volunteer lifeboat launches in the South West have gone up by 35 per cent compared to the year before.

RNLI lifeguards across the region dealt with 11,173 incidents, helped 13,647 people and saved 56 lives in 2016 according to figures released on March 28.

The charity is now urging residents to take more care around the water.

Steve Instance, RNLI Community Safety Partner, said: “ RNLI lifesavers across the region spent 10,967 hours on service at sea last year, equating to an incredible 456 days.

“Their selflessness and dedication is truly awe inspiring and we are extremely grateful for their continued support.

“The RNLI will always answer the call for help but we’re not just here to rescue those in difficulty, a huge part of our work is about encouraging people not to get into trouble in the first place.

“We’re doing lots of work in communities to introduce local initiatives to tackle specific risk activities, as well as continuing to run extensive education and safety programmes.

“But there’s still a lot to do to improve safety and that’s why we’re urging more people to pay attention to our advice and give the water the healthy respect it deserves.”

A number of Somerset lifeboat stations have released figures including Burnham-on-Sea lifeboat station which launched 22 times and assisted with six rescues this year.

A spokesman for Burnham-on-Sea RNLI, said: “Our Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat station experienced a relatively quiet year, but the station volunteers have put many hours into education and prevention, as part of the RNLI ‘Reducing preventable drownings’ strategy both physically, and online.

“We enjoy support from the community, and feel that some of our effort has had a positive effect.”

In light of the figures, the RNLI has issued a warning to residents, encouraging them to take precautions when spending time at sea over the Easter period.

A spokesman for the RNLI, said: “If you’re planning to get in the water, take advantage of the RNLI lifeguard service being offered this Easter across a number of beaches in the south west, where the team of lifeguards will be able to advise and keep you safe.”