Stay safe on holiday by being prepared at the coast

HM Coastguard is urging the public to be prepared to stay safe on holiday this summer.

Going for a walk along the UK’s coastline should be about enjoying its beauty. But things can quickly go wrong, especially for tourists unfamiliar with their surroundings.

Taking simple steps to prepare – such as having a mobile phone, telling someone where you are going and wearing appropriate clothing – could stop a holiday turning sour.

The safety warning comes after a worrying night for a family visiting the Dorset coast this week.

Claire Smith for HM Coastguard said: “Two family members we searched for on Thursday (August 18) were visiting an area which was unfamiliar to them. Although they had told a relative where they were going and when they planned to be back, they did not take a mobile phone or any other means of calling for help.”

Coastguard rescue teams from Lyme Regis, West Bay and Beer, a Coastguard helicopter, Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat and Dorset Police were all sent to search for the pair.

Coastguard and Lifeboat rescuers off Weymouth, Dorset
Credit: Shutterstock

The alarm was raised when their relative became concerned they had not heard from them.

Claire Smith added: “Thankfully, they were found safely in the end. But their experience is a reminder that our beautiful coastlines can be dangerous and unpredictable.

“This can happen to anyone. That’s why being prepared is so important.

“We just want everyone to enjoy the coast and to get back to their loved ones safely. Being appropriately equipped for any coastal activity, including walking, is vital.

“If you are heading out on a coastal walk make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to come back, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, check the weather and tides and take a means of calling for help.

“Remember in an emergency at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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