
RNLI issue tidal safety warning in south Wales ahead of Easter weekend
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is issuing a safety warning urging people to be cautious over the Easter break due to an increased risk of becoming cut off by the tide. The warning comes as new figures show a rise in tidal cut off rescues.
Following a rise in tidal cut off rescues, the RNLI is encouraging people to be especially cautious as we approach high-risk large tides that come just as we head into the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can easily leave people stranded and requiring help. Spring tides have a greater depth range between high and low water, therefore at high tide the water comes in further up the beach.
Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:
‘Although the job of our volunteer crews is to save lives at sea, we also know how vital our water safety prevention work is. Educating people about the risks such as tidal cut-off, plays a huge part in preventing people getting in danger in the first place and gives them the knowledge to be able to help keep themselves and their families safe.
‘When it comes to tides even a short miscalculation can make a big difference, especially when there are bigger than usual tides. Here in the Vale of Glamorgan we see a lot of tidal cut off incidents around Sully Island.’
The rocky causeway between Sully Island and the mainland becomes covered by the tide roughly three hours before high tide. As a result, the causeway becomes submerged quickly and can leave people trapped on the island or swept into the water.
Jason continued: ‘It’s so important to check the tide times and be aware of bigger tides at different times of the year. Always carry a means of calling for help, as you never know when you might need it.’
Last year in Wales the RNLI saw an increase in tidal cut-off shouts across both the lifeguard and lifeboat services. With plans to launch a Sully Island RNLI Water Safety Task Force this summer, the new initiative will see RNLI water safety volunteers carrying out proactive patrols along the Sully coastline, sharing vital safety information with the public about the risks around tidal cut-off.
Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for Wales said:
‘We’re looking forward to launching this new initiative later in the year, as we see more and more people start using the coast as we move into the warmer months. Tidal cut-off is still a big risk with people getting caught out. So educating the public about those risks is a vital part of our preventative water safety work.
‘This Easter bank holiday weekend, we are urging people to think very carefully about their safety, especially before setting off on a coastal walk or to spend time at the beach.
‘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. A beach or coastal area may appear a safe place for a walk, but an incoming tide can quickly leave you stranded.
‘On bigger tides like the ones this week, places will be cut off by the tide quicker than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.
‘That’s why checking the weather and tides using a trusted online source, such as the Met Office website, the BBC Weather or a tidal prediction app before setting off on any trip is essential. If you find yourself, or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
For RNLI safety advice on coastal walking please visit: Coastal walking – Safety advice (rnli.org)
Notes to editors:
- A collection of RNLI footage of tidal cut-off rescues in Wales can be accessed here (including a Penarth RNLI Sully Island rescue): https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/49A2EDA7-FC5F-4B06-84360F5DAE822AAE/
RNLI tidal cut-off shouts in Wales
2022
Lifeguard tidal cut-off - 30
Lifeboats tidal cut-off - 69
2023
Lifeguard tidal cut-off - 31
Lifeboats tidal cut-off - 80
- Media opportunity – RNLI spokesperson available for interview. Please get in touch using the media contacts below if you would like to attend the media opportunity/arrange an interview.
- To find your local tide times visit: Beach forecast and tide times - Met Office.
Media Contacts
For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement on 07977 468 268 / [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 / [email protected].
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
Media op event info
Event:
RNLI Easter safety warning / tidal cut-off in south Wales ahead of spring tides
Water safety + tidal cut-off interviews available with Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jason Dunlop.
Venue:
Swanbridge Beach slipway (beachside), Sully, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 5UJ.
Date/time:
Thursday 28 March @ midday (from 12pm).
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.