Coastguard unveil Yuletide coastal safety guide
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AS Santa gets ready to ride out with presents aplenty, the Coastguard have revealed their own special Christmas gift.
Through their Winter Coastal Safety Campaign, in partnership with the RNLI, the Coastguard are reminding people to ensure they stay safe around the country;s coast and cliffs this festive season.
The coast and sea can be incredibly dangerous places – from rough winter seas to changing tides and unstable and eroding clifftop edges – and those venturing out to those area are being advised to stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges, check tide times before setting off, take a phone and get home safely.
Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, said: “We are prepared and ready, as always, to deal with all emergency situations.
"But please take note of our safety advice and don’t take risks, be responsible for your actions and follow the Government’s Covid-19 guidance.”
The Coastguard are advising that people wear appropriate footwear and carry a fully-charged mobile phone in the event of an emergency. Walkers should let people know when they will return and should avoid the temptation to take a risky photo by a cliff edge or large waves for social media.
It is important to get familiar with the area being visited by reading local safety information, warnings and advice, and also check tide timings online before departing.
Open spaces are ideal for dog walking but pets should be kept on a lead. Should a dog get into danger, do not attempt to self-rescue the animal or enter the water after it, rather call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
