the maritime prefect calls for the greatest vigilance

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Can go up to 102 on Saturday November 16, from high tidal coefficients are expected from November 15 to 17, 2024 along the coast of the English Channel.

“These coefficients can attract many people to the coast of the English Channel and the North Sea,” warns the maritime prefecture.

Caution is advised

In this context, the maritime prefecture appeals “with the greatest caution” of all users of the sea. “In particular those who fish on foot or who walk on the coastline subject to the tide. A few minutes can sometimes be enough to be isolated by the rising tide. »

“The spring tides have the effect of increasing the tidal range (difference between the height of high water and that of low water), with a greater mixing of sea water and a more rapid rise of water. They therefore make marine currents stronger and the sea more dangerous, creating an increased risk of isolation by the tide. »

As a reminder, in 2023, 344 people found themselves isolated by the tide.

The main cause of isolation by tide remains negligence on the part of walkers but also a lack of knowledge of the local environment.

It only takes a few minutes to be surprised by the rising tide and trigger the mobilization of significant resources – air and water.

Recommendations

To consult the tide times, go here.

Before each outing on the beach or along the sea, it is therefore strongly recommended to consult the weather forecast, the tide coefficients and times, and if necessary to have it explained to you what this actually involves; not to go out alone and to inform loved ones of your intentions beforehand (place, time of departure and, if possible, return); to have a means of communication to alert emergency services at sea (mobile phone charged and placed in a waterproof pocket to contact 196, or via channel 16 on VHF); to stay close to a withdrawal point and maintain a visual reference point on the coastline (as the tide rises, it can considerably modify the perception of the environment).

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