Sand art spreads summer coastal safety message

Sand art has been on show in North East Lincolnshire to raise awareness of a beach safety campaign.

Created by Chris Warner-Neil, the art was displayed at Fitties Beach in Humberston on Tuesday to promote the Coast Clever campaign.

Last year, HM Coastguard responded to more than 600 tidal cut-off incidents.

Chief Coastguard Pat O'Callaghan said many situations where people got into trouble along the coast could be avoided, but people needed to be aware of the risks.

The campaign warns of coastal dangers and hazards.

Mr O'Callaghan said: "We'd like the public to enjoy the warmer weather and our wonderful coastline, but they need to be aware of the risks.

"Mud, tides, cliffs and offshore winds can very quickly put lives in danger."

• Check the weather forecast and tide times before setting off
• Cliffs can be unstable so stay clear of edges and bases
• Watch out for mud; if you do get stuck, lean back to spread your weight
• Avoid water sports in an offshore wind (when the wind blows from the land out to sea)
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
• Take a fully charged mobile phone and consider taking a PLB (personal locator beacon), which can alert the emergency services from the remotest of locations
• In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard

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