Alan Doe, Coastal Safety Officer at RNLI Bembridge, sent OnTheWight a great video today.
He gets to the core of what you should do to keep yourself safe when doing the Fort walk.
Quick preparation
By being conscious of your safety (and that of your friends and family), you are doing the best you can to prepare yourself to have the maximum enjoyment from the Fort Walk.
The video only runs for about two and a half minutes, so frankly there’s no reason not to watch it.
A list of the tips
Watching it you’ll see there are lots of top tips pack into a short time and, if you’re anything like us, you’ll be reaching for a pen to write those tips down.
Happily below is a gathered collection of those tips.
Have fun!
Alan’s video
- As has been said many times before, You are walking at your own risk. This is not an organised event. As Alan says, “Locally it is described as a ‘happening!”
- Above all, respect the water.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. Do not attempt the walk in high winds or poor visibility.
- Do not leave the shore after Low Water (Predicted to be at 19:46 on Sunday 21st Aug 2016. 19:05 on Saturday 20th Aug.)
- Aim to reach the Fort between 10 minutes before low water and 10 minutes after low water.
- It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to the fort from the shore at Bembridge Point or St Helens Old Church to St Helens Fort. Then 30 minutes to get back to the beach.
- It is a good idea for children to wear buoyancy aids. Keep an eye on them (and dogs).
- Wear shoes (not flip flops), as the causeway is stony. Stick to the path that other in front of you are taking, as there are large holes you may not be aware of.
- DO NOT swim in the Bembridge Harbour Channel (marked by the red & green buoys) – there may be deep holes due to dredging.
- When you get to the fort, be aware, the rocks can be very slippery.
- If you are circling the Fort, don’t stop to admire the view, keeping walking – there’s a lot of people doing the walk.
- Carry a means of calling for help (ideally a mobile in a water proof case).
- If you need help CALL 999 AND ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD.
Hey – and have fun! It’s really enjoyable to do.
