Weston-super-Mare has the second-highest tidal range in the world, which means the tide comes in very quickly. When the tide is out, it reveals soft sand and sinking mud that people can easily get stuck in. If you’re stuck when the tide comes back in, you could find yourself in a potentially deadly situation.
To stay safe, don’t walk into the mud when the tide is out. If you do get trapped – or see someone else that’s stuck – call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.
Watch the safety video for more information: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/seafrontsafety
The campaign also encourages people not to tombstone from Knightstone Island. Tombstoning – when someone jumps from a high spot into the water – is very dangerous. Just one jump can result in life-changing injuries or even death, as it’s very hard to tell how deep the water is or if there are rocks below the water.
To find out more, watch this safety video: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/weston-seafront
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “As we head into the summer, more people will be visiting to have fun at our seafronts. It’s really important that everyone knows how to keep themselves and those around them safe, so they can enjoy our wonderful coastline.
“Our seafronts team have produced some fantastic videos that explain how you can have fun and stay safe by the water. I’d like to thank Avon Fire and Rescue Service, who came out on their hovercraft Firefly and staged a rescue of a dummy trapped in the mud – a powerful demonstration of how quickly situations can become dangerous when the tide turns. Thanks also to the RNLI and the Coastguard, for being involved in this campaign. The private operators who captured the impactful drone footage did a fantastic job.”
“If you do find yourself in trouble – or spot someone else who needs help – call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. Our seafront rangers also patrol Weston seafront daily and work closely with emergency services to help keep everybody safe.”
Russ Mitchell, Group Manager at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We want you to make good memories at the coast, and knowing how to keep yourself and others safe is a vital part of that. We’re pleased to be working alongside our other emergency services and partner agencies to help you have a safe and memorable summer.”
Tim Treloar, RNLI Education Manager, said: “Educating people about water safety is fundamental to saving lives at sea and a core part of the RNLI’s prevention work. As a charity we’re delighted to have been able to work with North Somerset Council and other emergency services to create these films which will educate people on how to stay safe and enjoy our wonderful coastline.”
Sam Wilson, HM Coastguard’s Coastal Operations Area Commander for North Cornwall, North Devon, Somerset and Gloucestershire, said: “Everyone needs to be careful while enjoying a day out at the coastline, because having a great time also means staying safe. Getting caught out by the tide or stuck in the mud can be extremely dangerous as well as very frightening. Checking the weather, tide times and observing the local safety signage will help to minimise the risks.
“We're always ready to respond to incidents at any time of the day or night, but it's just as important to be prepared in the first place. With the summer holidays fast approaching, safety campaigns are a timely reminder to encourage people to take some simple precautions and of course to remember that if anyone is in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Images below show a view of Weston's seafront from the shore of Knightstone Island; and an aerial view of the rocks surrounding Knightstone Island. Credit: Stuart Scorgie