17/07/2022
â IMPORTANT SEA SAFETY ADVICE â
As the summer holidays are now upon us, and with unprecedented hot weather on its way, many people will be heading to the coast to cool down and have fun đ After yesterday's shout, and others like it (our colleagues all over the UK and Ireland were out yesterday), it's part of our role to issue some safety advice.
Itâs easy to forget a few vital steps that you can take to keep yourselves and others safe while visiting our beaches and spending time on the water, so we thought weâd put together a few basic tips for you, to help keep you safe đ
Have a quick read, and share this post to spread the word. There have already been tragic losses this year, and we, along with our colleagues here on Anglesey have been to a variety of shouts which could have ended in tragedy.
Remember â no one EVER goes into the water thinking theyâre going to get into trouble or need our help. Donât think it canât happen to you â it CAN even if youâre a seasoned swimmer, sailor, kayaker or have visited the beach a zillion times. It only takes onceâŚ
đBeaches:
1. If you can, use lifeguarded beaches. Unfortunately here on Anglesey this isnât an option for most of our coastal areas, but if youâre in a location where there is one â use it.
2. NEVER use inflatables at the coast. The tide can carry a child (or adult!) away in seconds, even on a calm day.
3. Always keep an eye on children, and be aware of where others in your party are at all times.
4. Familiarise yourself with the tides of the area - itâs amazing how many people donât realise that tides go in and out, and how quickly you can become cut off from loved ones and be at risk from drowning.
5. Rip currents are lethal. What may look like a calm, safe bit of water, isnât. Take two minutes to understand how a rip current works, and what to do if you get caught in one (donât try to swim against it â swim across it if you can, parallel to the beach, until you get out of the rip current.
Be aware of different coloured flags and what they mean. Red and yellow â swim between them. Never go into the water if the beach has a red flag.
âľď¸If youâre on the water:
1. Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Check these are sea-worthy before you set off on your trip.
2. Tell someone where youâre going, and what time you expect to be back to shore.
3. Have a means of calling for help â a charged mobile phone (in a waterproof pouch) and/or a VHF radio.
4. As above, be familiar with the tides.
5. If youâre paddle boarding, surfing or using another not motor-powered craft, stay between any black and white chequered flags.
6. If youâre sailing, make sure youâre very familiar with your vessel, complete all necessary safety checks before you set off, and use a lifejacket kill cord attachment on a motorised vessel.
7. Jetskis : Make sure youâre using it in a recommended area, have plenty of fuel, and remember where you set off from â itâs easy to get disorientated in an unfamiliar area of coastline.
đ For anyone getting into trouble, Float To Live, dial 9ď¸âŁ9ď¸âŁ9ď¸âŁ and ask for the Coastguard.
So many great tips and information on the RNLI's website. Taking a few minutes out of your day to read this could save your life - or someone else's. There are some great videos on rip currents, Float To Live, and so much more â
Enjoy the good weather, stay hydrated, and be safe.