Footage of West Shore in Llandudno becoming cut off by the tide shared by RNLI as part of safety warning

The stay-at-home restrictions were replaced by a new interim stay local rule in Wales on Saturday, March 13.

The warning comes ahead of some of the highest tides of the year from this weekend, March 27 until April 2, which, historically, often see people cut off and requiring the RNLI’s help.

Llandudno's West Shore is described as a 'big risk' area. Footage of West Shore being cut off by the ride has been shared.

Llandudno West Shore drone shot. Picture: RNLI

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said: "RNLI lifeboats around the Welsh coast are ready to respond to emergency situations, but we are urging people to think very carefully about safety and not putting any additional pressure on our service during these challenging times. We have seen an increased number of call outs to people using the coast for our daily exercise and becoming cut off by the tide. It makes up a greater proportion of lifeguard and lifeboat rescues here in Wales than other areas of the UK. We’d urge people to think carefully before setting off on a coastal walk.

"The tide comes in and out twice in each 24 hour period, and while tide times can be accurately predicted, they vary at each location and change each day. A beach or coastal area may appear a safe place for a walk, but incoming tide can quickly leave you stranded. On bigger tides like we will see in the coming days, places will be cut off by the tide quicker than normal and places usually unaffected by the tide may also be cut off."

People are being urged to check the weather and tides using a trusted online source suchmagicseaweed.com or a tidal prediction app before setting off.

RNLI statistics for Wales show people getting cut off by the tide caused almost 10 per cent of all RNLI lifeboat launches over the last decade - more than double the UK average.

Lifeguards rescue hundreds more stranded people every year.

Matt Childs, RNLI Area lifesaving manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to get our service up and running as usual this year, despite the obvious challenge the pandemic has brought. Much of our training has happened remotely, but we’ve been able to familiarise our guards with the beaches in line with government guidance. Operating within this new environment has obviously means increased training in terms of protecting our guards with the appropriate PPE and training in rescuing casualties and ensuring we’re able to protect them and our guards."

The RNLI is urging anyone choosing to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice along with the government’s advice on travel and social distancing:

Visit a lifeguarded beach where possible and swim between the red and yellow flags. The charity has a number of patrolled beaches around the coast from the Easter holidays – find your nearest at rnli.org.uk/lifeguardedbeaches

Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks

If you fall into the water unexpectedly, float to live. Fight instincts to thrash around, lean back, extend arms and legs, and float.

In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.