| UK. Coastguard issue summer safety warning as coastal incidents and deaths increased last year |
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| Saturday, 03 June 2006 | |
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Coastguard news: With the start of the summer season, Coastguards are today launching their Sea Smart campaign by issuing a warning to parents and children to take extra care when at the coast by making sure they follow the safety advice to avoid accidents or getting into difficulty. The advice is being issued following an increase of nearly 18% in the number of seaside incidents last year, resulting in a total of 2,514 cases where people needed rescue or assistance. The number of lives lost also increased from 364 to 376, having gone up by 19% over the last two years. Tragically, at least 20 children died in accidents on the coast during 2005 including drownings either from having been swept out to sea from rocks or the beach by freak waves or caught in strong currents or being cut off by the tide. Other incidents ending in tragedy involved jumping off high rocks, cliffs and piers and being buried by collapsing sand when digging on the beach. As Coastguards enter their busiest time of year, they are highlighting the potential dangers. 92% of parents are unaware that drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death amongst young people in the UK and most children who drown can swim but are no match for strong currents, tidal rips and large waves. Chief Coastguard, Peter Dymond says: "Many incidents involving children happen on fun days out, often participating in apparently harmless activities that they have done many times before. However, the sea can be treacherous and powerful and can change within minutes. The main advice is to be vigilant and follow safety warnings. If you see someone in difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself. You would not only be putting the life of the person you are trying to rescue in danger but also your own." It is vital that children and parents look out for warning signs and flags on the beach. Red flags are used as a warning that the water is unsafe, and red and yellow flags indicate the areas where it is safe to swim. When swimming following these three Sea Smart tips: 1. Always swim close to the beach in line with the shore rather than out to sea. 2. Check the beach when you arrive and beware of rocks and breakwaters. 3. Avoid rip tides and strong under surface currents which can carry you out to sea - calmer waters between areas of surf usually means dangerous rip currents. To prevent a family day out turning into a tragedy, the MCA Sea Smart campaign advises parents to follow this simple four-point Sea Smart code when at the beach: Spot the dangers Always go with a friend Find and read the safety signs Emergency? Stick your hand up and shout, tell a lifeguard or dial 999 for Coastguard Local safety information leaflets are available from local tourist information centres and can be accessed by visiting the MCA website http://www.mcga.gov.uk/seasmart |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 03 June 2006 ) |
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