Thousands of people will be heading down to Cornwall over the next few weeks to enjoy our beautiful beaches. I hope you all have a wonderful time, but please please take care. The sea is beautiful but can be deadly, take a few minutes to pop over to the RLSS to read the tips on beach safety. You may be a very good swimmer in your local swimming pool, but the sea is very different, it has rips that can drag you out to sea and waves that can knock little ones off their feet. I'm not a strong swimmer so have learned to respect the sea and take precautions. When my children were little they loved the beach and many happy hours were spent splashing in the sea. They were in the local Surf Life Saving clubs Nippers group for children and were taught safety precautions. When my son was caught in a rip while out surfing, he knew what to do and got back to shore safely. Taking the time to read up on safety tips can save your life. I don't mean to sound over dramatic and scare people off, but my one bit of advice would be to go to a beach where there are lifeguards, and do as they tell you. Swim between the flags, stay out of the sea if the red flags are flying and never take your eyes off your children, keep close to them if they are in the sea. Stay safe everyone xx
As for me I will be stuck in work on the hottest day of the year melting! The photos were taken last year on a dull day, but still plenty of fun to be had in the sea. These youngsters were learning to surf safely with a surf school, watched by the local life guards.
Welcome to my new followers, I seem to have more people following me the less I blog haha.
Chickpea xx
Wise words indeed and much needed. I have travelled to Cornwall many times over the last 35+ years to visit with family and my kids grew up respecting the beaches there. As you say it may look beautiful but it can turn round and bite you before you know it. I seem to remember a story about a family being drowned at Newquay not that long ago leaving two young children with out their siblings and parents.
ReplyDeleteMitzi
Every year we hear of tragedies, just awful
DeleteLovely photos, Chickpea, and a timely reminder to respect the sea. People get a bit reckless trying to cool off sometimes. I can't swim and love the look and the smell of the sea but will not go in. My auntie drowned in the river Severn when she was in her early 20's and newly married. She died before I was born but it still makes me afraid to swim.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Oh that is so sad about your auntie.
DeleteVery wise words, there have been a few rescues here already. I think people don't take enough care here sometimes because the beach is so flat, but we have large sandbanks and it's easy to become cut off.
ReplyDeleteYes, people seem to forget the tide comes in and they can be cut off. Several times a year people have to be rescued because they are cut off or get stuck on a cliff as they try to climb out of the cove.
DeleteJust yesterday three people drowned in Cork, standing on a rock and a freak wave washed one of them into the sea, the other two jumped in to try to save her, all three died. Tragic. Respect the sea, it is a powerful thing.
ReplyDeleteSo sad Anne
DeleteWise words, the only other thing I would add is sunscreen. There is always a breeze by the sea and people don't realise they are burning. I can't tell you how many people I have seen looking like lobsters this week.
ReplyDeleteYes, you always seem to burn more by the sea!
DeleteWise words. The sea frightens me a little. Even though my kids are getting older, I still watch them like a hawk when they're in the sea. I don't think - even as teenagers - that they truly understand the dangers.
ReplyDeleteYes I was the same!
DeleteYes, these is definitely a timely warning. I live near a lake, and every year there are accidents here as well, most of which could have been avoided entirely if people were using common sense and following safety rules.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I'm afraid if seems like people leave their common sense behind when they go on holiday.
DeleteA very timely warning, Chickpea and such a shame that it needs repeating regularly. I fail to understand why people have so little respect for the sea; only recently I watched as a toddler stood just knee deep in the sea while his parents lay on the sand higher up the beach. If that child had been caught by a rogue wave, they would not have had chance to reach him before he was swept out to sea.
ReplyDeletePeople just don't seem to realise how strong the currants are, I have been pulled off my feet as a child paddling, very scary!
DeleteVery wise words indeed. It often amazes me the risks some people are willing to take. Around here it is the lakes where people often get into trouble. X
ReplyDeleteJust not worth taking any risks where water is concerned
DeleteGreat post today.
ReplyDeleteA rip tide is quite scary if you don't know what to do. When I was younger and lived in Huntington Beach, California. I used to body surf.
got caught in a rip and rode it out and when close to shore just swam in. It was a bit of a walk back back.
I think people just see pretty water and forget. Plus they don't even know what the flags mean.
cheers, parsnip
I also made sure my boys had leashes on their boards, lose your board and you can be in real trouble. Good job you knew what to do :)
DeleteWe'll be heading off to Cornwall soon, can't wait for the beautiful beaches. My dad nearly drowned when I was little (I was watching), it was so so scary and it wasn't even currents or waves or anything, just a swimming pool. It has taught me to be careful near the water. Accidents happen so quickly and unexpectedly. Thanks for the reminder. x
ReplyDeleteHope the weather will be kind to you. Have a great time xx
DeleteVery good advice. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy xx
DeleteGrowing up on the Devon/Somerset border my dad would joke every summer that if any more Cornwall headed holiday makers drove past the country would tip like a seasaw and everyone south of the Tamar would tip into the sea. The funny part was when cars would pull over, full of hot fractious children with northern accents, and the parents would ask for directions thinking that they were nearly there, poor souls. The less funny part was the news stories every summer of folk taken unawares by tides and mudflats. A timely post :o)
ReplyDeleteHa yes it does feel like that will happen sometimes, and yes with no motorways in Cornwall (thank goodness) it can feel like an awful long way.
ReplyDelete