Prepare your fishing at low tide
- High and low tide times
- The coefficient ( greater than 100 = danger )
- The tidal range (difference in height between low and high seas)
- Local hazards
- Weather conditions (all westerly winds increase the dangerousness)
The most important advice is to "DON'T GO FISHING ALONE"
Before you go fishing, take a few precautions:
- Remember to equip yourself with a charged mobile phone to alert the emergency services in case of need
- Warn someone on the ground of your return time, she can then warn the rescue team if they don't see you coming back
- Wear a watch and keep track of the time
Watch for rising water levels
- The sea rises very quickly, so it is important to get your bearings and watch the surroundings
- Rising waters can occur on all sides even from behind, and not just from the open sea. You can find yourself isolated and strong currents can build up around you and carry you away.
- For a tidal range of 10 metres, at mid-tide, the water rises 5 metres in 2 hours, or 1 metre in 24 minutes.
- The time of low tide tells you that it is time to come up, even if there are other people around you. They may not be aware of the danger.
- Estimate how long it will take you to retrace your steps. The return is always longer than the outward journey (mud, weight of fishing, fatigue...)
Emergency Numbers
In case of emergency, call 196, the Marine Emergency Number from any landline or mobile phone line or 18, Fire Department Emergency Number.
