Yet no-one ever told me that if I'm injured on the beach or coastal path, if I become stuck in mud, or if my dog gets trapped on a cliff face, that I should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard...
Would you know who to call in a coastal emergency?
It's believed up to 50% of adults do not know that you can call 999 for the Coastguard. Now that is scary!!
It's up to all of us as a community to help educate not only our children, but also our families, friends and loved ones. We must be vigilant, and help bridge the gap between the local fisherman who uses the Coastguard as a lifeline, to those families and people on holiday on the water, or just visiting the coast who might have no idea who to call in a coastal emergency.
Did you know that there are 6 Coastguard Rescue Teams stationed in Essex, and we are lucky to have one based here in South Woodham Ferrers.
The team are primarily responsible for the coastline from Battlesbridge (River Crouch) to Goldhanger (River Blackwater) covering approximately 80 miles of coastline, but can often be called upon to backup our neighbouring rescue teams.
Our Coastguard Rescue Officers are trained in Search, Water Rescue, First Aid and Specialist Mud Rescue.
We have recently recruited some new Coastguard Rescue Officers in to our team, who have undergone some intense training courses and are now starting to familiarise themselves with our local coastline and coastal access points.
To find out more about our team and the Coastguard Rescue Service, please visit our Facebook page: South Woodham Coastguard Rescue Team, or follow us on Twitter: @SWF_Coastguard
Remember - In a Coastal Emergency Dial 999 for Coastguard
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