HM Coastguard has issued a stark warning to take care at the coast and on the beach this Summer, or risk tragic consequences.
The warning comes at the start of the summer holidays with many expected to travel to the coast for beach holidays and days out across the remaining summer months – including here on the Isle of Wight.
In the past 10 days alone, Her Majesty’s Coastguard recorded that 9 people have sadly died while visiting the beach or coast around the UK coast. Each death represents a widescale tragedy for the families and friends of those who have died. Others have faced life-changing injuries.
HM Coastguard is pleading with everyone to look after themselves, stay safe and avoid the dangers while at the seaside or coast.
Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, has said:
“We can’t emphasise this enough – the sea has no respect for whether you’re local or not and whether you’re experienced or not.
“Please always check weather conditions and tide times before going out. The Coastguard will always respond to 999 and do all we can to get people home and safe.
“But be careful. Think twice about what you’re doing at the coast that might put you, your family and friends and even those who come to rescue you in danger. Watch out for each other and those you love. Get home safe.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’ve seen too many tragedies already this summer and we’re sad for those whose families have been left heartbroken by the loss.”
This summer the Coastguard reminds everyone to check tide times, remember the sea has currents, hidden depths and rip currents that can’t easily be seen. It’s best to leave inflatables at home and make sure you have fully charged phones or other means of contact.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using ///what3words.
what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
Bit of perspective here,
statistics give 66 deaths or seriously injured a day on the roads in 2020. That’s 660 over 10 days so you are more at risk on the way to the beach perhaps.