Check the wind before you jump into the water: Children had to be brought ashore by lifeguards

Check the wind before heading out on the water: Children had to be brought ashore by lifeguards

Several times last week, lifeguards had to bring people ashore due to the wind. This has now prompted them to issue a recommendation.

Lifeguards on Danish beaches are keeping an extra close eye on those standing on surfboards and the like. (Photo: © Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix) 12 minutes ago

Three children were caught on the water off Skagen Sønderstrand last week. They had drifted out on a board, and the offshore wind was so strong that they could not get back to shore on their own. Lifeguards therefore had to take action to bring them in.

Later in the week, a man called for help approximately 100 meters out in the water at Blokhus Strand, as he could not get back to shore on his own. He was picked up by two other beachgoers, and by the time lifeguards arrived, he ended up being retrieved by a medical helicopter.

"Not everyone thinks that offshore wind can become dangerous. And that's why more people end up in situations that can become life-threatening," says Anders Hammer, head of training at Trygfonden's Coastal Lifeguard Service.

The so-called SUP boards are very popular. But it can be a dangerous activity if there is offshore wind. (Photo: © John Macdougall/AFP/Ritzau Scanpix)

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The weather has shifted

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In six cases, there was a need for life-saving actions on Danish beaches in week 29.

The thermometer no longer shows nearly 30 degrees. The weather has become more unsettled, and the wind can be stronger.

That is precisely why there is now a greater risk that more people will end up in situations like those last week, according to Trygfonden's Coastal Lifeguard Service.

Surfers and others engaging in water activities when the wind becomes strong are particularly at risk, says Anders Hammer. Therefore, he recommends not taking your board out on the water if there is offshore wind.

"If the flag at the top of the lifeguard tower is yellow, it may be because there is offshore wind. And then it's a good idea to have a chat with the lifeguards before you head out on the water."

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