With significant numbers of people expected to take to the water this weekend, HM Coastguard is asking everyone to take extra care in extraordinary times.
Boating, swimming and other sea-based activities are now allowed once again in England under the new Government guidelines, but, now more than ever, people need to respect the coastline.
Swimming in the sea is now allowed as daily exercise along with paddle boarding, surfing, windsurfing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing. Sailing and owners of private boats may also go out onto the water. But while people are allowed to go out on and in the water, they need to make sure they are safe and protected.
HM Coastguard say that those with private boats and yachts should carry out all the usual safety checks and make sure they have a way to contact the Coastguard if they get into difficulty, as should everyone visiting the coast and beaches.
In addition, the Government guidelines around social distancing should continue to be observed by everyone in the UK.
Yesterday, a large scale rescue operation was launched at Priory Bay when a man fell onto rocky terrain from a small cliff.
Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard said:
“In England, now more than ever, people need to respect the sea and the coast. Whether you’re local or not, whatever your ability or experience in your chosen sport or leisure activity, the sea can still catch you out and be unmerciful when it does.’
Article continues below this advertisement “The majority of beaches will not be lifeguarded. If you get into trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and we will come to your aid. But coronavirus hasn’t gone away and we all need to follow the rules. Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk. Take extra care in these extraordinary times”.
Now watch the beds fill in hospitals over the next month.
Few will escape coming into contact with someone over the next couple of years carrying CV, as a cure is highly unlikely now as mutations too great, and like the common cold, our best bet is it gets weaker not stronger.
We cannot afford to lockdown forever, so expect to catch this and hope you are one of the lucky ones who survives will no life changing effects on you. A game of chance now it would seem.
It’s sunny outside but remember there is still Coronavirus here ,if we remain safe then there will be plenty more sunny days to enjoy together at the beach , when it is safe for us all to do so .Have a safe weekend everyone.
Ahoy! Bembridge, are you listening? You, near the ledge, turn back; too late. More expense for tax payers, so, as we are all doing so well, where’s the problem?
It’s all very well saying we can all go out swimming and everything but there’s no lifeguards to stop people doing it unsafely. I agree, watch A&E skyrocket this weekend and CV numbers soar too.
Why can’t people just bite the bullet and stay in for a while longer. This will only mess it all up.
In quarantine for the forseeable for us all.