 |
Every year more than 25 million holidays and 110 million day trips are taken at the British seaside. The UK has 10500 miles of coastline, and Swanage is just a small part of that.
There are many activities which you can do around the coast and out to sea, but before you do we would ask that you think about your safety and the safety of others.
We want you to remember your visit to the area for the right reasons, and not because we had to rescue you.
Coastguards spent a lot of time patrolling the area to minimise the risks to the public, we call this accident prevention. There is a lot of advice on the MCA website (see links) including printable leaflets and a section for children but here are a few important messages we would like to highlight.
Check the weather forecast.
Have the appropriate clothing for the activity you are undertaking.
Ensure lifesaving equipment is in date, tested and the wearer knows how to use it.
Lifejackets are important, this short clip should help.
[ HERE ]
Whether you are taking to the water or walking the coastal paths, ensure you are aware of the local dangers, take advice from local professionals and obey warning signs and markers. Keep clear of any cliff edges as they can be slippery when they get wet – cliffs around the UK are very high and do sometimes give way under foot.
Tides often catch people out, ensure you have checked them.
Always let someone know when you are leaving, your proposed route and the approximate time you will be returning.
If you’re a boat owner get your boat registered under the CG66 Scheme or ensure a shore contact has full details of your vessel.
Mobile phones are good but remember in some place the coverage is poor, ensure your battery is charged. Boat owners should always have a VHF radio and not rely on mobile phones, (they do not like getting wet!).
Know your limitations, your friends or crew.
Always swim close to the beach in line with the shore.
Don’t drink and drown - eating and drinking before swimming may give you cramps while you are in the water – you may then be unable to get back to the shore.
Always wear sun cream, at least factor 15 or above, sunbath for short periods of time, use after tan lotion and wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs to prevent further exposure.
Emergencies can occur, remember to stay calm and seek advice immediately.
Do not attempt to rescue persons yourself unless you are trained in life-saving or rescue techniques, you could end up needing to be rescued yourself or cause more harm
In an Emergency or if you see someone in trouble on the coast or out to sea dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COASTGUARD
Schools and Groups, the team spends a lot of time visiting the schools in Swanage and opening the station for visiting schools or groups. If you would like a talk or arrange a visit to the station please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Swanage Coastguard takes its role in the community very seriously and with other emergency services and other interested parties is a member of the Studland Beach User Group and the South Purbeck task group.
You can download the Studland User Group's leaflet [ HERE ]
Some of you might remember the Public Information film from the late 1960s, staring Joe & Petunia. These short films were normally shown just before televison stations closed down for the night! The message of this coastguard film was to raise awareness that HM Coastguard had become a 999 service enabling the public to raise the alarm as it does for other emergency services. If you wish to see this memorable piece of history click on the link which takes you to The National Archives web site and follow the instructions.[ HERE ]
Swanage Coastguard accepts no responsibility for the content of external Internet sites
|
|
.jpg)
