Sea smart this summer (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Sea smart this summer

3:04pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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Coastguards are predicting a record number of emergency calls this summer as many people opt to spend their holidays nearer home.

They have just launched their Sea Smart summer safety campaign as millions of visitors are expected on the Welsh coasts.

George Crumpler, Coastguard sector manager, said: "Visitor numbers across the Welsh Coastline this year are already showing an increase and the forecast is for record numbers throughout the season. This will inevitably increase the number of rescues and we've already dealt with lots of children blowing out to sea on inflatables, cliff fallers and some tombstoning incidents.

"This year people are more likely to see Coastguard patrols out and about promoting sea safety during the holiday season, and we are handing out children's wrist bands from the Coastguard for use at the beach to reunite missing children with their families.

"We are asking everyone to prepare themselves with some basic safety tips and to follow the Sea Smart Code," he added.

The main advice is: consider visiting a lifeguarded beach where advice and help in an emergency will be available; always go with a friend; find and read the safety signs; in an emergency stick your hand up and shout, tell a lifeguard or dial 999 for the Coastguard.

Coastguards advise parents to always keep their children in sight especially toddlers; and warn that children using inflatables should be supervised and the inflatable secured to the shoreline and held by an adult.

They also advise people to keep clear of cliff edges, to always swim close to the beach in line with the shore; and everyone going out in a boat of any kind should always wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid.

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