With pubs set to reopen this Saturday (4th July) many will be taking the opportunity to head to the local for their favourite tipple. But if you are drinking at the coast, stay safe and remember that the sea and alcohol don’t mix.
Alcohol is a contributory factor in a significant number of coastal drownings every year, and HM Coastguard are advising against setting out to sea if you have been or are drinking alcohol.
If you’ve been drinking, your judgement will be impaired and you’ll be more likely to make mistakes which at sea could be life-threatening.
Even if the weather is warm, the waters around the UK remain extremely cold throughout the year, with an average temperate of a chilly 11c. If you fall into the water, you are likely to suffer from cold water shock.
This, and the fact that people who have been drinking are more likely to take risks, is a potentially lethal combination.
HM Coastguard’s Chief Coastguard Pete Mizen said:
“Please don’t risk your own safety, no matter how tempting the water looks. Jumping or falling into water, especially after drinking, is extremely dangerous.
“If you are having a glass of something cold at the coast, please enjoy the sea view, but don’t be tempted into the water”.
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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/.
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And what about alcohol and social distancing…… is that forgotten now too.
BIG MISTAKE opening pubs. Idiots will be even bigger idiots now. I really feel sorry for all the emergency services that are going to have to deal with these idiots. And as for going in the sea when they’re p****d, it’s like trying to swim with concrete wellies on. And anyone with half a brain knows how badly that will end.