Deadly tides warning ignored (From Western Telegraph)

Deadly tides warning ignored

As Pembrokeshire awaits the arrival of thousands of holidaymakers to its coastline, two potentially fatal incidents involving people caught in rip tides off Freshwater West beach have highlighted the dangers of these invisible undertows.

Since the season started a surfer caught by a current off the beach had to be rescued by another boarder and two tourists and a local man were dragged out to sea by a rip. "There may have been more incidents that we are not aware of," said Coastguard sector manager for south Pembrokeshire Dave Miller.

"People need to realise that there are rip currents off this beach. The sea is very unpredictable - our coastline is beautiful but it presents natural dangers."

Rips are caused when water builds up on the shoreward side of the surf line - usually due to the presence of a sand bar - then takes the path of least resistance to return to the sea, forming a channel.

Despite visible warnings, people are ignoring them and still get into trouble when swimming at Freshwater West and other local beaches.

"If you get caught in a rip tide, you should not try to swim against it," said Dave. "You must go with the rip - even though it will take you away from the shore. Wait until you get out of the rip's influence, then try and get back to the beach."

To avoid getting caught in a rip current, you need to know the signs. Dave Miller explained to the Western Telegraph what swimmers should look out for. l Discoloured water: "Water that is brown in colour indicates that sand being churned up off the bottom."

* Foam: "Look out for foam on the surface away from the shore." * Breaks in the surf: "When surf is breaking, avoid areas or channels where the waves are not as large as those on the rest of the shoreline." * Flotsam: "If flotsam or debris is floating out to see against the tide, it indicates a rip current." * Ripples: "Be wary of water with a rippled appearance if the water around it is calm."