Holidaymakers who ignore lifeguards and red flags

[Addick]

Just read this article (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2257988/British-father-44-drowns-Lanzarote-hell-like-sea-conditions-ignoring-red-warning-flags.html) about a British guy on Lanzarote ignoring the red flags on the beach and subsequently drowning yesterday. Part of me thinks about how terrible it must be for his family he has left behind at a time they were meant to be relaxing and having fun but then I almost want to say 'serves you right!' for ignoring the red flags.

When we were on Tenerife in September there were 2 days we got the Titsa to Playa de la Arena only to find the red flags flying due to the rough conditions. That didn't stop some men (and they were all men:o) going out against the will of the lifeguard desperately trying to recall them to the beach with his whistle! He did have to out and rescue a couple of people armed with just a buoy and rope. There were even people along the shoreline with toddlers that could easily have been swept away but all were seemingly oblivious to the conditions.

The Lanzarote article says the initial ambulance workers were volunteers, is that the same for the lifeguards on Tenerife beaches? Poor guy on Playa de la Arena deserved a medal for trying to control everyone single handedly.

[ribuck]

At some beaches the lifeguards seem to put out the red flags on the slightest whim, while at others it takes quite a strong current before they put out the red flags. But anyway, each person has a different level of competence and ability in rough seas.

I'm old enough to remember when lifeguards were there to help you if you got into difficulty, but didn't tell you what to do and what not to do.

Obviously if you go into the sea when there is a red flag you should not complain if you get into trouble, but I wonder what the law says. Is it an offence to go into the water when the red flags are up?

[deepdivejunkie]

Never under estimate the power of the sea. Always treat it with respect.
Getting into difficulties when in its domain, it will not be very forgiving.

[Addick]

...Obviously if you go into the sea when there is a red flag you should not complain if you get into trouble, but I wonder what the law says. Is it an offence to go into the water when the red flags are up?

One of the guys rescued by the lifeguard looked like he was escorted off the beach with his belongings in his arms by another official-looking man. The police did appear for about 5 minutes but looked like they were enjoying watching the lads on bodyboards that were jumping off the rocks and surfing in more than the welfare of the others.

[ribuck]

Never under estimate the power of the sea. Always treat it with respect.
For sure!

The sea is neither forgiving nor unforgiving. It just is how it is. One must learn to understand it, and to respect its power. If there is uncertainty, one should err on the side of caution.

[deepdivejunkie]

People wanting to use the beach and swim or take part in other activities in the sea should become aware of the possible dangers they could face and also ask themselves "could they get themselves out of trouble safely"
Here is the "Drowning Chain" from the RNLI

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And the RNLI guide to staying safe on the beach. Enjoy your holiday and don't become another statistic.

***************/13yo6Ui