Coastguard warning ahead of bank holiday weekend after rise in Cornwall incidents
People heading to Cornwall’s beaches, coast paths and waters this bank holiday weekend are being urged to take simple safety steps after a rise in summer call-outs.
Those heading to Cornwall’s coast this bank holiday weekend are being urged to stay safe after a rise in Coastguard call-outs this summer.
Falmouth Coastguard says incidents across Cornwall and the South West are up by around 20 per cent, with hot, dry weather bringing more people to beaches and coastal paths.
James Instance, HM Coastguard Divisional Commander based at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Falmouth, said the rise was not unexpected given the number of people enjoying the county’s coastline.
"It'll be no surprise to anybody that when you are experiencing one of the hottest, driest summers ever, that people will be going to the beaches and walking the coast paths," he said.
"And when you get so many people going to use the beautiful scenery, the beautiful area that we've got, then unfortunately quite a number of them will end up requiring the assistance of Coastguard lifeguards and lifeboats."
He added: "We have had about a 20 per cent uplift in incidents in the southwest and in Cornwall. But that does sort of match a trend that when we do get very good weather, we do obviously get an increase in incidents anyway."
Cornwall’s population rises significantly during the summer, with beaches around Perranporth and Newquay sometimes seeing tens of thousands of people on busy days.
Mr Instance said the busy tourist season means many visitors may be less familiar with coastal risks, including tides.
"You go to a beach at 10 o' clock in the morning and there's a huge expanse of sand, but six hours later the tide has come in and if you don't know where you are or what you're doing, you can find yourself cut off," he explained.
"There's nothing malicious in people, they just don't know on occasion."
"We have had about a 20 per cent uplift in incidents in the southwest and in Cornwall"
The Coastguard is urging people to use lifeguarded beaches, check tide times, keep dogs on leads near cliffs, carry a phone in a waterproof case and tell someone where they are going.
"We have a plethora of lifeguarded beaches on between 10am and 6pm," Mr Instance said.
"Their role is to keep people safe, to identify the safe areas to go into and they are looking out for people's safety at that stage."
He also warned of the potential dangers for those visiting the coast with pets.
"We get far too many incidents where people let their dogs off the lead and there is hardly anything worse than dealing with somebody whose dog has gone lost or chased a rabbit or a seagull and gone over the cliff," he said.
"That can lead people to make some very unsound decisions as well about climbing down or if they go into the water to rescue them themselves.
"If you are going to be walking a dog, keep your dog on the lead."
Anyone who gets into difficulty, or sees someone they are concerned about, should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
"I would always, always much rather that somebody rang and gave the Coast Guard information if they have a concern in any way," Mr Instance said.
"If you see anything unusual, if you see anything that worries you, if you see anything that is uncertain, if you yourself are starting to find yourself in a situation which is uncomfortable, don't wait until it becomes unsurmountable and then ring.
"We would always rather have information and then agree and work out a response from that point onwards."
The advice applies to people on beaches, cliffs and out at sea.
Despite the rise in call-outs, Mr Instance said Coastguard rescue teams remain on hand.
"Our Coast Guard rescue teams are remain available as they have done for 200 years," he said.
"We monitor our availability of the teams, we work with them closely. They volunteer from their communities to serve their communities and everybody that comes down.
"We do have a remarkable history of Coastguard rescue service in the county.
And I'm delighted that that has continued all this summer and will continue going forward."
Anyone in trouble at the coast, or who sees someone in difficulty, should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.