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RNLI Easter safety warning as Bangor University tidal survey results revealed

Lifeboats News Release

With high tides peaking over the Easter Bank Holiday, when more people are expected to visit the Welsh coast, the RNLI has teamed up with Bangor University to reveal the results of a new study. New data reveals 15% of the UK population have reported having experienced tidal cut off.

The nationwide study has revealed the shocking statistic that up to 10 million people in the UK may have had some experience of being cut off by an incoming tide when visiting the coast. An incoming tide can quickly leave people stranded, often requiring the RNLI’s help. On bigger tides like we will see over the Easter period, places will be cut off by the tide quicker than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.

The RNLI teamed up with Bangor University last year as part of a project to understand people’s knowledge of the tide. Researchers have been talking to people who have experienced tidal cut offs to explore some of the reasons why they get into trouble. The charity is calling on people to be extra careful if visiting the coast over the Easter weekend in light of the statistic that 15% of the UK population reported having experienced tidal cut off.

The survey also found:

· Over half (57%) of those who had experienced tidal cut off lived inland – away from the coast

· A staggering 38% of the British population were unaware that the tide typically comes in twice a day

· 40% were not aware that the rises and falls of the tide are not the same every day

· Over a third of people were not aware that tides vary across locations

Spring tides will build over the Easter weekend and peak on Saturday 9 April. The lifesaving charity is urging people to use a trusted online source such as magicseaweed.com or a tidal prediction app before setting off on a trip. Coastal visitors should be aware the water may change quickly and very differently to what may be expected.

RNLI statistics for Wales show people getting cut off by the tide caused almost 10% of all lifeboat launches over the last decade – more than double the UK average. One of the stories behind the statistics is that of Connor Gurney who made an impromptu trip to Rhoose Point near Barry Island last September for an evening walk, not expecting to require rescue by the RNLI.

Connor found himself trapped beneath a cliff on a metre-wide ledge as waves broke around his feet. He is now helping Bangor University with their research work. The CEO of an emergency management startup said:

‘I thought I’d done everything. I checked the tides, had two phones and a radio with me, and had told friends where I was going and when to expect me back. I was keeping an eye on the tide as it rose, but I didn’t realise that the tide comes in faster around the corners, which meant that, while I thought I had a clear escape route, I was slowly getting trapped – my ways out, both forward and back, were cut off.

‘The tide was coming in really fast and high, with waves breaking up onto the ledge, and I couldn’t get any higher up the cliff-face. I put my favourite song on my phone and thought: This might be it – I might die.’

Connor had no mobile phone signal but followed the advice to call 999 and ask for Coastguard during an emergency on a beach, at the coast or at sea. He was eventually connected to the Coastguard, who launched RNLI Barry Dock’s lifeboat to his aid.

The university commissioned a marine social scientist to unpick people’s awareness of tides, speaking with casualties like Connor. The research was carried out with a view to improving tidal knowledge through new public campaigns and education. With the support of an Oceanographer and a Professor of Linguistics, the University are committed to helping to ensure people enjoy our coastline safely, and the charity to ultimately save more lives.

Dr Liz Morris-Webb, Researcher and Marine Social Scientist at Bangor University said:

‘The results of our initial survey show just how much the public misunderstand the tide, but also how even those with experience and knowledge of the coast can easily get into trouble if underprepared or distracted. Many respondents who reported being cut off by the tide wanted to send a message to others, especially how quickly the tide can change and become very dangerous. Interviews with those involved with RNLI rescues have described how the tide near a cliff ‘fills like a bath’; how on a sandflat, ‘the sea can come in faster than you can run’ and how the tide can be very different just around the corner.’

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for Wales said the survey would help the RNLI shape it’s safety messaging to ensure it is having an effect. He said:

‘Our core message of always check the weather and tides is a complex one as we suspect there is confusion over where to access tidal information, and not knowing how to interpret the beach specific tidal information. It’s been extremely useful to work with experts at Bangor University and we look forward to the next step in this exciting collaboration.

‘We expect this weekend to be busy on the coast, but with higher than normal spring tides forecast this weekend, areas affected by tidal cut off may be cut off faster than normal, and other 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 checking the tide times and ensuring they have enough time to return if they decide to venture further along the beach.

‘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. It’s also vital to always carry a means of calling for help. If in doubt seek local advice.’

Ends

Notes to Editors

Connor’s story and video footage he captured during his ordeal can be downloaded here: Man makes desperate 999 call and films incoming tide as he awaits rescue by RNLI | RNLI

Footage of the West Shore in Llandudno being cut off by the tide is available here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/9E53A0A1-BFE0-4242-8DD382D72D82D097/

Interviews are available on request with RNLI Water Safety Lead Chris Cousens, Dr Liz Morris-Webb, Researcher and Marine Social Scientist at Bangor University and Connor Gurney.

Media Contacts

For further information, please contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 07786 668829 / D[email protected]. Claire Elshaw, Regional Media Officer on [email protected] / 07468353082. Or Press Office on [email protected] / 01202 336789

RNLI

Llandudno West Shore and its exposed sandbanks

RNLI/Danielle Rush

West shore, Llandudno at high tide

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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