The RNLI are reminding the public this weekend to check tide times before any coastal walks as the high spring tides reach a peak on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October .
Spring tides occur twice a month throughout the year, no matter the season. During this time, the Earth, sun, and moon are lined up in a row, resulting in greater gravitational pull on the Earth, which means the oceans well more than normal. This makes high tides higher and low tides lower than other days through the month.
The next high spring tides peak this Saturday (17th October) and Sunday (18th October), and the charity asks that the public be extra vigilant over the weekend, as the danger of being cut off by the fast-riding high tide is greater than usual.
Individuals can very easily become cut off by the incoming tide, including in places that wouldn’t normally be cut off. Make sure that you check local tides times before you head out, and keep them at hand if possible. If you’re uncertain about whether you have enough time to return, or have trouble understanding tide times, the RNLI advises that you don’t go.
Carry a mobile phone with you if possible, or a similar means of being able to call for help. If you find yourself in trouble, or you see someone else in trouble at the coast, call 999 or 112 immediately, and ask for the Coastguard.
Last month volunteer lifeboat crews from Penarth, Porthcawl, Horton and Port Eynon, Burry Port and Rhyl were all called out at least once to assist people caught out by the high spring tides.
Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat crew were called out twice in three days to people cut off by the tide during last month’s spring tides. The volunteer crew rescued a group of students who had misscalulated the tide time at Rhosili on the Thursday (17 September) then called out again a few days later to assist a fisherman who had become cut off at Port Eynon Point.
With a pleasant weekend forecast across Wales this weekend, the RNLI predict a number of people will head to the coast to enjoy an autumnal walk. The charity urges the public to be careful and follow safety advice before heading out.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead said: “Before heading out to the coast it’s always important to check tide times – even more so this weekend with the high spring tides. Spring tides will make the high tides higher and they will also come in quicker. The danger in this is that people can get cut off quicker without even realising until it’s too late.
“That’s why we’re asking people to be extra vigilant this weekend when visiting the coast. Remember to check the tide times before you go but also keep an eye on your surroundings. If you’ve walked round to another cove at low tide, or walked around an outcrop of rocks, the water can soon block your way back as the tide turns. If the cove you’re in doesn’t have steps or access of its own, you could be in trouble.
“And some seemingly flat beaches can in fact have sandbanks and gulleys. If you are on a higher sandbank water from the incoming tide can come into the gulleys around you and cut you off.
“If you find yourself or spot others in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard straight away. Stay calm and don’t try and wade through the water as this could be dangerous.”
For additional information regarding how to stay safe on the coast this autumn, please visit the RNLI website.
