VIDEO: Coastal Safety Officer for Bembridge RNLI, Alan Doe, has issued a safety advice and information video to those planning to undertake the Bembridge Fort Walk next week.
Over 2,000 people are expected to take part in the Summer tradition that is believed to be one of the biggest unorganised gatherings on the Island. Each year crowds of people walk from both Bembridge and St Helens at low tide to St Helen’s Fort, around it and back again, despite there being no organiser and no set time or date for the event.
Iit looks likely that the majority of walkers will turn out on Wednesday evening (23rd August 2017), although the predicted tides this year are not as low as in recent years. Low tide at Foreland (Lifeboat Slip) is said to be 18:43, meaning walkers should ideally not set off any later than 18:15 to allow a 30 minute walk out to the fort.
Participants are expected to start gathering from 17:45, with car parks filling up from 17:00 onwards.
Safety advice you should follow:
• You are walking at your own risk – this is not an organised event. Locally it is described as a ‘happening’
• Predicted Low water (Foreland – Lifeboat Slip) is at 18:43 on Wednesday 23rd August
• Check the weather forecast before you go. Do not attempt the walk in high winds or poor visibility
• It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk from the shore at Bembridge Point or St Helens Old Church to St Helens Fort and 30 minutes to get back to the beach (i.e 1hr round trip)
• Park responsibly
• Do not leave the shore after Low Water
• Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach
• Aim to reach the Fort between 10 minutes before low water and 10 minutes after low water
• The walk is more strenuous than you think
• Keep a close eye on your children (and dogs) – it is a good idea for children to wear buoyancy aids. Dogs may need to be carried or need to swim some distance.
• Do not swim in the Bembridge Harbour Channel (marked by the red & green buoys) – there may be deep holes due to dredging
• If you are circling the Fort, don’t stop to admire the view, keeping walking
• Be prepared to get wet, you can be walking in water up to your waist
• Wear shoes as the causeway is stony; Flip Flops are not suitable
• Be careful of slipping on the rocks around the Fort
• Carry a means of calling for help (ideally a mobile in a water proof case)
If you need help call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
