RNLI safety warning: New research reveals gaps in tidal knowledge as Easter holiday sees heightened risk on the Welsh coast
As families head to the coast to enjoy the Welsh Easter school break, the RNLI has revealed the results of a survey with Bangor University which shows large gaps in tidal knowledge.
The findings of the nationwide research revealed that around 15% of respondents reportbeing cut off by the tide, or nearly cut off, in their lifetime which equates to 10 million people in the UK and Ireland. Many of those people didn’t intend to be in or near the water. This gap in coastal safety knowledge is especially worrying as spring tides will occur across the country during the school Easter break when beaches are busy.
RNLI statistics for Wales show people getting cut off by the tide caused almost 8% of all lifeboat launches over the last decade – more than double the UK average. An incoming tide can quickly leave people stranded, often requiring the RNLI’s help. On bigger tides like we will see from next week, places will be cut off by the tide quicker than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.
One of the tidal cut off hot spots in Wales is at Sully Island, where the RNLI are exploring new avenues to warn people of tidal cut offs, recognising reading tide tables is a barrier. This weekend will see the return of volunteers patrolling the entrance of the causeway for a second year running during primary tidal cut off periods. This intervention was incredibly successful last year in minimising the amount of people that were cut-off on Sully Island. The RNLI has today launched and appeal for more volunteers to give up their time to be part of this project and keep people safe.
One of the key findings of the survey by Bangor University was the level of surprise about the speed of the incoming tide. Around 60% of those who had experienced tidal cut off were shocked at the speed they had become stranded.
The research also showed that four in ten people have no basic understanding of the tides and only half claim to check tide times before visiting a beach.
It further reveals that only a quarter (24%) of the public have sufficient ability to read and interpret a tide timetable in order to take the appropriate action to prevent being cut off by the tide.
As part of the research, Bangor University’s Impact and Innovation Fund commissioned a team including a marine social scientist, an ocean scientist and a discourse analyst to unpick people’s awareness of tides through a nationally representative survey and speaking with casualties. The research was carried out with a view to improving tidal knowledge through new public campaigns and education.
The RNLI is urging people to use a trusted online source such as the Met Office before setting off on a trip. Coastal visitors should be aware the water may change quickly and very differently to what may be expected. The tide comes in and out twice in each 24 hour period, and while tide times can be accurately predicted, they vary at each location and change each day. This is as important for coastal walkers to be aware of as it is for beach goers.
Chris Cousens, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Wales said:
‘The results of the survey are eye opening and show that a large proportion of the public have gaps in tidal knowledge.
‘We know there is a lot more work to be done. We will be using the findings to helpshape our safety messaging in public campaigns and education going forward.
‘We expect this weekend to be busy on the coast, but with spring tides forecast next week, areas affected by tidal cut off may be cut off faster than normal, and areas not normally known for tidal cut off may see incidents in the coming days.
‘Anyone heading to the coast is reminded of the importance of staying safe and checking the weather and tide times. If you can’t interpret the tide timetable, always seek local advice and stay alert.
‘It’s hard to imagine how walking can turn out to be such a dangerous activity, this is why it’s important to always check the tide times at the start of your day, keep an eye out for the incoming tide and leave enough time to return safely.’
Dr Liz Morris-Webb, Honorary Research Fellow at Bangor University said:
‘As a marine researcher with 25 years of experience along the British coast, I have seen many instances of people being caught out by the tide, from the public to experienced marine professionals. As so many people enjoy the benefits our coast has to offer, it is maybe not surprising that 15% of the population has at some point been cut off by the tide, or nearly so.
‘The first-hand experiences of those who have been cut off have provided important lessons on gaps in tidal knowledge that can quickly turn a family walk or beach visit into to life-threatening situation. I am very grateful to all those who have spoken to us about their traumatic experiences. Their participation is paving the way for improving safety messaging and driving a conversation about how to safely visit our beautiful, but wild, coast.’
When visiting the coast, always remember:
• Check the tide times. If you don’t understand them, please check local advice
• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.
• In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
RNLI safety warning: New research reveals gaps in tidal knowledge as Easter holiday sees heightened risk on the Welsh coast
As families head to the coast to enjoy the Welsh Easter school break, the RNLI has revealed the results of a survey with Bangor University which shows large gaps in tidal knowledge.
The findings of the nationwide research revealed that around 15% of respondents reportbeing cut off by the tide, or nearly cut off, in their lifetime which equates to 10 million people in the UK and Ireland. Many of those people didn’t intend to be in or near the water. This gap in coastal safety knowledge is especially worrying as spring tides will occur across the country during the school Easter break when beaches are busy.
RNLI statistics for Wales show people getting cut off by the tide caused almost 8% of all lifeboat launches over the last decade – more than double the UK average. An incoming tide can quickly leave people stranded, often requiring the RNLI’s help. On bigger tides like we will see from next week, places will be cut off by the tide quicker than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.
One of the tidal cut off hot spots in Wales is at Sully Island, where the RNLI are exploring new avenues to warn people of tidal cut offs, recognising reading tide tables is a barrier. This weekend will see the return of volunteers patrolling the entrance of the causeway for a second year running during primary tidal cut off periods. This intervention was incredibly successful last year in minimising the amount of people that were cut-off on Sully Island. The RNLI has today launched and appeal for more volunteers to give up their time to be part of this project and keep people safe.
One of the key findings of the survey by Bangor University was the level of surprise about the speed of the incoming tide. Around 60% of those who had experienced tidal cut off were shocked at the speed they had become stranded.
The research also showed that four in ten people have no basic understanding of the tides and only half claim to check tide times before visiting a beach.
It further reveals that only a quarter (24%) of the public have sufficient ability to read and interpret a tide timetable in order to take the appropriate action to prevent being cut off by the tide.
As part of the research, Bangor University’s Impact and Innovation Fund commissioned a team including a marine social scientist, an ocean scientist and a discourse analyst to unpick people’s awareness of tides through a nationally representative survey and speaking with casualties. The research was carried out with a view to improving tidal knowledge through new public campaigns and education.
The RNLI is urging people to use a trusted online source such as the Met Office before setting off on a trip. Coastal visitors should be aware the water may change quickly and very differently to what may be expected. The tide comes in and out twice in each 24 hour period, and while tide times can be accurately predicted, they vary at each location and change each day. This is as important for coastal walkers to be aware of as it is for beach goers.
Chris Cousens, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Wales said:
‘The results of the survey are eye opening and show that a large proportion of the public have gaps in tidal knowledge.
‘We know there is a lot more work to be done. We will be using the findings to helpshape our safety messaging in public campaigns and education going forward.
‘We expect this weekend to be busy on the coast, but with spring tides forecast next week, areas affected by tidal cut off may be cut off faster than normal, and areas not normally known for tidal cut off may see incidents in the coming days.
‘Anyone heading to the coast is reminded of the importance of staying safe and checking the weather and tide times. If you can’t interpret the tide timetable, always seek local advice and stay alert.
‘It’s hard to imagine how walking can turn out to be such a dangerous activity, this is why it’s important to always check the tide times at the start of your day, keep an eye out for the incoming tide and leave enough time to return safely.’
Dr Liz Morris-Webb, Honorary Research Fellow at Bangor University said:
‘As a marine researcher with 25 years of experience along the British coast, I have seen many instances of people being caught out by the tide, from the public to experienced marine professionals. As so many people enjoy the benefits our coast has to offer, it is maybe not surprising that 15% of the population has at some point been cut off by the tide, or nearly so.
‘The first-hand experiences of those who have been cut off have provided important lessons on gaps in tidal knowledge that can quickly turn a family walk or beach visit into to life-threatening situation. I am very grateful to all those who have spoken to us about their traumatic experiences. Their participation is paving the way for improving safety messaging and driving a conversation about how to safely visit our beautiful, but wild, coast.’
When visiting the coast, always remember: