RNLI issue tidal safety warning in Wales ahead of half term weekend

The RNLI is encouraging people to be cautious and well prepared as we approach high risk spring tides for the final few days of February half term, specifically this coming Friday and Saturday.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead says:

‘With February half term a prime opportunity for coastal walks, it’s important to be safe. Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and the incoming tide can easily leave people stranded, requiring assistance.

‘Spring tides have a greater depth range between high and low water, therefore at high tide the water comes in further and can move faster than on smaller tides. On bigger tides like the ones on Friday and Saturday, places will be cut off by the tide more quickly than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off.

‘If you find yourself, or see anyone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Some areas in Wales are known for being higher risk when it comes to getting cut off by the tide. One of these places is Sully Island in the Vale of Glamorgan. Over the past couple of years, the RNLI Water Safety Team have explored other ways to help keep people safe and warn them of the dangers.

Tirion Dowsett, Water Safety Delivery Support says:

‘We know from research that reading tide tables can be a barrier in understanding the tides, so in the tidal cut-off hot spot at Sully Island, we have a team of volunteers who give safety advice to the public at the entrance to the Sully Island Causeway.’

The team started their 2026 patrols this half term and will be back patrolling at Sully in March.

Tirion continued:

‘Our volunteers give information to visitors about the state of the tide and advise them to not cross the causeway once it’s become too high risk. If anyone does become cut off on the island, our volunteers advise visitors to stay on the island and not enter the water – they are then able to call the Coastguard and get help.’

Chris says: ‘We want people to enjoy the coast, but it’s also important that people prioritise their own safety, as our volunteers can’t be everywhere all of the time.

‘If you are planning on visiting the coast over the next few days, check the tide times before you go. If you can’t understand the information on tide tables, ask people who know the area and pay attention to any safety signs.

‘Always carry a means of calling for help, like a fully charged mobile phone.

‘If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

‘If you do get into difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged in the water, relax and float on your back with your arms and legs spread out like a starfish. Once your breathing is under control, you can signal for help by shouting and waving.’

RNLI safety advice for tides is:

• Before you head out, check the tide tables and if you don’t understand them ask someone locally for advice.
• While you're out, be aware of your surroundings and the tide's direction.
• Time your walk and plan to be back on safe ground within plenty of time before the risk of being cut off.
• Have a plan - tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Always carry a means of calling for help.

Notes to editors

• Interviews with RNLI Water Safety Team are available on request. Please arrange by contacting Betsy on the details below.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Betsy Owen, Communications Placement on [email protected]

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315 or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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