SAFETY
With the increase in visitor numbers, walkers, boat/kayak/paddleboard users and wild swimmers, we are becoming increasingly aware of a lot of potential safety issues happening in this coastal area.
PARKING - The tide covers the Hard at high water (twice a day) every other week, when we have ‘spring tides’ know the tide times and where it will come to before you leave your vehicle.
WALKERS - Find out when the safe time is to cross the creek, be back within that time, before the water cuts you off. Be aware that the tide covers the beach fast and also behind you because the beach isn’t flat. Know whether the tide is going out or coming in.
SWIMMING - A lot of boats also use the creek, be visible, if they can’t see you, you are at high risk of being hit (think hi-vis hat or float). keep out of channels where boats are navigating, don’t swim near the quay or near moving boats. be careful of the current to avoid being taken under moored craft, avoid the channel that goes out to sea when the tide is going out. Be aware of sailing races about to take place.
BOATING - Your boat has a load rating, this tells you what weight your boat can safely carry. Do not exceed this, just because you can physically fit 6 people in your 12 ft boat doesn’t mean you should. Also allow for the weight of your bags etc. Find out your load rating.
BUOYANCY AIDS - Not a legal requirement, but more than a good idea for all water users, if you got into trouble, wearing a zipped up, properly fitting BA could save your life.
KILL CORDS - 2 to a boat. A must, attached to you, they will stop your engine if you fall out of your boat, without one your propeller will still be going around while you are in the water, potential loss of limbs/life. - The spare? Your passengers can start the engine and return to save you if necessary.
KAYAKS/PADDLEBOARDS - Learn about the currents, know the effects of tide and wind on you and your vessel. keep out of the way of boats that require deeper water than you.
COMMUNICATION - Take your phone, put it in a waterproof case when on/in the water.
BEING HERE IS FUN, BUT THE WATER IS NO JOKE.
Here is a link to the RNLI local safety pages to enable you to be better informed on the issues likely in this coastal area.