TrygFonden Kystlivredning encourages bathers and those involved in water activities to be aware of onshore and offshore winds before venturing into the water.
The call comes after lifeguards in several parts of the country were busy at the weekend, when the hot summer weather drew many people to the beaches.
– We are looking into a period of wind, which comes relatively strong for the time of year from all possible corners, and therefore we must have called guard in hand, says Anders Myrhøj, coastal lifeguard manager at TrygFonden Coastal Rescue.
Offshore wind is a term for wind that blows from land and over the sea. Onland wind is an expression for wind that blows from the sea and over land.
– Onshore wind is where you experience life in the water and bigger waves. This increases the current in the water, and you can get caught in it – these so-called rip holes. Globally, they are the biggest cause of people dying in water, says Anders Myrhøj.
He adds that TrygFonden’s coastal lifeguards point to areas on the beach where there are no active sinkholes. That’s why it’s a good idea to search down to the areas where there are lifeguards if you want to get in the water, says Anders Myrhøj.
This summer, TrygFonden’s coastal lifeguards are present at 34 beaches and harbor baths around the country.
Between 15 and 21 July, they have carried out a total of approximately 11,107 efforts. In two cases, one or more people were in danger.
317 of the actions were first aid actions, where bathers were treated for, for example, injuries and dehydration.
In addition, there were 643 preventive efforts. Here the lifeguards have been out in the water to warn people.
In addition, there were 10,145 information efforts, where the lifeguards, for example, have been in contact with bathers regarding the local conditions on the beach.
During week 29, the lifeguards have been busy, among other things, bringing children in swimming rings ashore and treating bathers for injuries.
On 21 July, lifeguards on Gudmindrup Strand in North Zealand had to help a group of young people on paddleboards after they had drifted further and further out with the offshore wind. It turned out that the young people were under the influence of alcohol.
/ritzau/
Source: www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk
