Stormy Weather Ahead - Safety Advice


When it's blowing up a storm, keep safe.

There’s wild and windy weather ahead. Don’t let your judgement be clouded when it comes to safety in and around our coastline.

Bad weather has already resulted in rock falls in the West Country and the cliff edges get particularly unsafe after the kind of rain we’ve had in places in the UK over the past 24 hours.

Ian Guy, duty maritime operations controller for HM Coastguard said: ‘We want everyone to have a good weekend at the coast and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t, despite the bad weather. The key to staying safe is preparation and following a few basic guidelines. In Cornwall, a rock fall has made part of the area at Whipsiderry Beach unsafe. If you come across a cordon anywhere near a beach, remember it’s there for a reason. Don’t ignore it.’  

Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast for the next few days so we’ve put together our top tips for keeping safe when the weather takes a turn for the worse. It’s easy to keep safe and look after yourselves and your families if you don’t take any unnecessary risks when it comes to safety. You’ll be helping the emergency services too.
o   If in doubt, don’t go out! Are the skies darkening? Is the wind picking up? Check the weather forecast before you set off and if it all looks bad it probably is. Postpone your plans and do something on dry land instead.

o   Check the local weather and tide times if you really do have to go out so you can be prepared www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast_and_sea/tide_tables

o   Windy coastlines and cliffside walks where the tide can easily cut you off are best avoided. Do not attempt to climb cliffs as a shortcut to the top, they are often crumbly and slippery, especially when the weather is bad.

o   Waves can be big and powerful enough in bad weather to knock adults, children and pets into the water and out to sea. Keep well back from the water’s edge or better still, stay dry at home!

o   Dramatic as it may look, huge waves crashing over quays, piers, cliffs and rocks are not the place for selfies and certainly not worth putting your life (or those of others) at risk.


o   If you do have to go out, take a mobile (make sure it’s got enough battery life), tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.


Don’t take risks, but if you do get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 


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