Walkers are asked not to attempt the low-tide walk to St Helen’s seafort from the beaches of Bembridge and St Helen’s again this year, after advice from the Isle of Wight Safety Advisory Group.
Previous gatherings to attempt the walk have had up to 4,500 walkers.
Overcrowding has resulted in Bembridge RNLI volunteers rescuing casualties caught out by the rising tides and uneven ground.
As in the last few years, the Isle of Wight Council will control parking and access at Duver Road, St Helens so that parking along the narrow road does not block access for residents and emergency vehicles.
But the advice from the emergency services is still for walkers not to come to Bembridge and St Helens for the fort walk.
The Isle of Wight Safety Advisory Group is made up of representatives from the emergency services, the NHS, the Isle of Wight Council and other agencies.
The group’s main role is to advise on the management and safety of public events.
A spokesman for the group said,
“The fort walk is an informal event with no organiser that usually takes place over one or more suitable tides in the summer.
“Last year we asked locals not to attempt the walk, and most people respected that.
“This year, for safety, we again urge the fort walkers not to make the trip.
“Please do not put yourselves, volunteers and key workers at risk when we are already stretched by the coronavirus crisis.
“The only way to get to the fort is to cross a very narrow strip of shingle, and it would be impossible to do this safely except in very small numbers.
“Climbing around the fort itself would also be difficult while staying safe, and the shore and parking areas can become crowded.
“Given the thousands of people who have in the past turned up to this event, our clear advice to them is please, stay away this year, and enjoy one of the many safer beaches on the Island instead.”
This is a statement issued by the Isle of Wight Council on behalf of the Isle of Wight Safety Advisory Group. Ed
