As lovely as the hot weather has been for many, the soaring temperatures and large number of visitors to Felixstowe as seen our local coastguard and RNLI crews called out on numerous occasions already this weekend.

Those incidents were among 340 HM Coastguard dealt with 340 across the whole of the UK on Saturday (August 8) – the organisation's highest amount of call-outs in a single day for more than four years.

Felixstowe volunteer Coast Patrol, was called out seven time son Saturday alone as packed coastlines and beaches kept crews very busy throughout another hot heatwave day, which also saw Coastguard Rescue Teams attend 221 incidents.

Both the RNLI and independent lifeboats were called out on 155 occasions combined and aircraft (30 taskings) were also used to assist at the coast and sea.

HM Coastguard responded to 186 999 calls yesterday and coordinated search and rescue responses to a wide-range of incidents, which included people being cut off by the tide and children swept out to sea on inflatables.

We understand that people want to have fun at the coast and enjoy the heatwave but we urge everyone to respect the sea and take responsibility in helping to ensure the safety of themselves, friends and family.

"We're heading into a period of more good weather so we want to remind you to check and double check tide times as even the most experienced swimmer or keen watersports enthusiast can get caught out by currents and tides. Plan your day out, always exercise caution and make sure you have a way of contacting us if you get into trouble."

He added: "As our latest statistics show, we'll always respond when someone calls 999 and asks for the Coastguard but help us to help you by not making choices which could put yourself and others at risk.

"Every time our frontline teams respond – as they always do and always will – please don't forget that they're also put at risk too. Take extra care at the coast today and over the coming days. We don't want you to remember your day-out for all the wrong reasons."

For all emergencies at sea or along the coastline call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.