Twenty three people died on the region’s beaches last year and now the regional government has launched an information campaign with leaflets and notices to try and avoid more tragedies this year.
The campaign entitled “Enjoy a Safe Swim” has been designed by the emergency services and the health service and revolves around ten “common sense points” for safety on beach which are regularly ignored.
The recommendations are:
To respect the lifesavers instructions: Do not swim if there is a red flag flying.
To always swim in company and close to the shore.
To keep a constant watch on children at the beach.
To avoid sudden or intense exercise and to adapt any exercise to the level of your physical fitness.
To enter the water gradually in order that your body can adjust to the change in temperature.
Protect yourself from the sun, use a hat and plenty of sun cream.
Be prudent about eating and drinking in order to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals.
Swim on a beach where there is a lifesaver service so you can benefit from immediate attention in case of difficulties.
Find out about the conditions of the beach such as tides, currents, depths, temperature of the water and the power of the waves.
Always ask for help if you notice any danger, stay calm and listen to the advice of the lifesavers.
With this week´s temperatures set to soar into the high 30’s many NEXOnr readers will be considering a trip to the beach. The regional government doesn´t want to spoil your fun but is determined to reduce last year’s tragic death toll. Here is a description of the warning flags system for your information:
Green, level 0 means there is no risk; Yellow, level 2, signifies low risk; Orange, level 3 means medium risk, and the red flag signifies high risk. Bathers should not swim if there is a red flag and should judge whether their swimming ability is adequate in view of yellow and orange risk levels.
