Wells RNLI warns of tidal dangers as Easter approaches

Wells and Holkham have rightly earned their reputation as some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, but they can also present hidden dangers. The sandbars, while appearing safe, can quickly become cut off by the tide, leaving people stranded in potentially life-threatening situations.

So far this year, the Wells RNLI D class lifeboat Peter Wilcox has already been launched to rescue 12 people and four dogs who had all been cut off by the incoming tide.

The natural channels or 'drains' on Wells Beach can be up to two metres deep with uneven ground at the bottom. From approximately four hours before high tide at Wells Bar, these drains begin to fill rapidly, forming isolated islands. The water is cold, fast-flowing, and wading through it can be extremely dangerous, with real risks of cold-water shock, hypothermia, and drowning.

Mandy Humphreys, Water Safety Officer at Wells RNLI said: ‘We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but it can be incredibly dangerous on the sandbars even when they look safe and inviting. The tide comes in deceptively fast, and people can quickly become trapped. We’d urge anyone visiting the coast to check the tide times before setting out and make sure they allow plenty of time to get back to safety before the tide comes in.’

The charity is offering the following safety advice:

• Dress appropriately for the weather it can turn cold quickly, especially if you’re wet.
• Carry a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch around your neck.
• Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
• If possible, use the What3words app to give your precise location.
• Stay calm and try to stay dry for as long as possible.

To avoid danger altogether, beachgoers are strongly advised to return to the main beach area dry sand/land at least four hours before high tide at Wells Bar.

For more coastal safety tips, visit RNLI.org/safety or follow Wells RNLI on social media.

Notes to editors

RNLI rescue data shows that lifeboat crews and lifeguards responded to 7,971 incidents across the UK and Ireland involving people cut off by the tide over the last decade. Of those incidents, many were considered life-threatening, and more than 450 lives were saved.

A survey carried out for the charity by Bangor University highlights large gaps in tidal knowledge. 

The nationwide research revealed around 15% of respondents reported either being cut off by the tide or nearly cut off which equates to 10m people in the UK and Ireland.

One key finding of the survey was the level of surprise about the speed of the incoming tide. Around 60% of those who had experienced tidal cut off were shocked at the speed they had become stranded.

The research also showed that four in 10 people have no basic understanding of the tides and only half claim to check tide times before visiting a beach.

It further reveals that just 24% of the public know how to read and interpret a tide timetable in order to avoid being cut off.

You can find out more about the Bangor University survey here.

Wells RNLI has a D class inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox and a Shannon class all- weather lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh. The boathouse and the all-weather lifeboat were new in 2022. The Duke of Edinburgh lifeboat was the first UK Launch a Memory lifeboat, which has 15,000 names printed on the decals. This helped to raise much needed funds for the RNLI and attracts thousands of visitors to the station each year.

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

RNLI Media contacts For more information please telephone Jess Curtis, RNLI Media Engagement placement North and East. Volunteer Press Officer Wells RNLI on 07483488243 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.