In anticipation of the gale force winds predicted to hit the Isle of Wight over the coming days, the RNLI is urging people to stay safe near the coast as severe weather could make our coastlines particularly dangerous.
As previously reported by Island Echo, winds of up to 70mph are expected to hit the Isle of Wight on Wednesday night and into Thursday.
The RNLI is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers as the strong winds, and therefore rough seas, pose a severe safety risk.
The weather is expected to stay unsettled with blustery showers and inland gales for the weekend.
Gareth Morrison, RNLI Head of Water Safety, has said:
“During lockdown, RNLI lifeboats and stations remain operational and will launch around the clock where there is risk to life.
“We would encourage everyone to follow the latest government guidelines on what they are able to do and where they are able to go during lockdown, but for anyone visiting a coastal area please understand the risks to be as safe as possible and not put unnecessary strain on front line services.
“In a normal year around, 150 people lose their lives at the coast and we know that more than half of those never intended to be in the water. So, whether you are walking, running or cycling at the coast, please be extra responsible and avoid taking unnecessary risk or entering the water.
Article continues below this advertisement “In particular, we ask people to stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges, check tide times before you go, take a phone with you, and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is in trouble”.
The RNLI’s key water safety advice is:
- Take care if walking near cliffs – be aware of ice and frost, know your route and keep dogs on a lead
- Check weather forecasts and tide times daily
- Take a fully charged phone
- Check your equipment is in good working order
- Be aware of the conditions and your capabilities and only enter the water if it is safe to do so
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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if the waves, the wind and the rain aren’t enough to keep people from the waters edge or cliff edges, then no amount of messages in the media will change a thing
The sea will be very unpredictable, so please no risks just for photographs etc. Never worth it.
There are bound to be some morons who have no common sense whatsoever and have that shot taken on the seafront, probably with their kiddy (remember the idiot at Freshwater Bay) running back from a crashing wave. Pray that our fantastic RNLI as well as the Coastguard men and women, do nof have to put themselves at risk tonight because of fools.