We LOVE the RNLI and the Coastguard here at The Bowgie. They keep us safe at sea, patrol our beaches and teach people about the ocean and its dangers. That’s why we decided to support a new RNLI information board in Crantock that displays public beach safety information. We worked together with the RNLI to provide extra signage outlining tide times and beach and sand dune safety information, in a bid to keep the public as safe and informed as possible.
As a coastal pub, the ocean plays a big part in all our lives. Crantock is a stunning beach, but it’s also vulnerable to tidal changes due to the changing sands of the Gannel. During our many years at the pub, we have witnessed a lot of successful rescues, but we have also seen several incidents and dangerous situations which could have been avoided.
Last year, there were 160 rescues and 1346 assists in the Newquay area alone! Many related to tidal and rip related issues and Crantock Beach in particular, is susceptible to changeable conditions. Our new signage features a map of the bay, incorporating warning symbols to inform beach users of where not to swim, along with other hazardous areas.
In Crantock in 2017, there were 52 water rescues, 119 land-based injuries and 154 assists. Last year, 24,000 people were aided by RNLI lifeguards and there were over 8000 lifeboat launches. During peak season, from 7th July to 2nd September, 60 Cornish beaches have RNLI lifeguard cover and our beautiful Crantock Beach is lifeguarded daily between 19th May and 30th September. Lifeguarded beaches display flags to inform the general public which areas are safe for swimming, and where to surf and bodyboard. Our new signage depicts the colours and definitions of each of the three flags, and can be found in the car park just below the pub!
As we are sure you know, summer in Crantock is a very busy time, and we see many beach-goers coming through our doors each day. It can be easy for visitors to underestimate the power of the sea and we feel a sense of responsibility to keep you all informed; we can’t stress enough how important it is to read safety signs when visiting different beaches!
Our friends at The RNLI told us; “The River Gannel meanders across the middle of the beach, which causes a dangerous rip, and the sand dunes that back the beach constantly change with the weather conditions. Due to the winter storms and high tides, there are currently some steep drops from the dunes to the beach so people are advised to take care when walking on or near the sand dune system and keep children and dogs under close supervision.”
We adore swimming and walking in Crantock and the surrounding areas. The RNLI do not just provide water safety, but they also safeguard the coastal paths, missing children and sun safety. They are the first point of call for first aid, medical assistance and hazard assistance on the beach; from sinking sand, weaver fish and jelly fish stings, heart attacks and other serious medical emergencies. The high level of training and knowledge amongst the lifeguards is second to none and we are lucky to have their services across our beautiful coastline!
Remember – if you see someone in difficulty out of hours when there are no lifeguards on duty, call the Coastguard on 999.
Stay safe everyone and enjoy your time by the sea!
