#Slack tide media how to

They happen when the crest (top) of the wave tumbles down the face (front) of the wave. Usually found on gentle sloping or flat beaches. How waves break on the shoreline depend on the shape and slope of the ground below it. Waves break as they move into shallower waters closer to the shoreline. The size of the wave depends on how long and how hard the wind blows. The middle two hours of an ebbing or flooding tide is when the most water moves, meaning stronger currents. An ebbing tide will make it harder to swim back to shore. Swimming will usually be easier on a ‘slack’ tide (but not always). The hour before and after a high or low tide is known as ‘slack’ tide, this generally means there is less water moving and weaker currents, however in some locations rip currents will be at their strongest. Having this information will aid you in making a more informed choice for a swimming spot! Slack tides This is why it is important to know the tides of the area you are going to. Some locations have two high tides and two low tides, or mixed tides (where two tides meet from different directions). The actual heights and intervals of tides vary depending on location. On neap tides, high tides are lower and low tides are higher than they are on a spring, meaning less water moving. In other words, spring tides are the biggest difference in water heights and have stronger currents. On spring tides, high tides are higher and low tides are lower. Again, the change in flow of the water can cause rip currents to happen. Ebbing tides will reveal potential hazards such as rocks, sandbars, seaweed etc. When the tide if fully out, this is known as low tide. The falling of the sea is known as an ebbing tide (tide going out). Changes in the flow of water can cause rip currents to happen. A flooding tide, or high tide, can cover up potential hazards that are usually visible at low tide. A flooding tide can cut you off, especially if there are cliffs, headlands, rocky outcrops or sandbanks. The rising of the sea is known as a flooding tide (tide coming in). Tides – the alternate rising and falling of the sea Flooding tide Preferably with less pebbles, seaweed or rocks. A good choice for an entry or exit would be an area that you can get out of quickly if needed.This enables you to take a good view and identify any hazards of the stretch of sea you would like to swim. Walk from your exit point up to where you would like to start from.Decide how long you are going to be in the sea for. Consider any currents, the tidal flow and wind direction. Plan your exit before you get into the water.

Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel pots in the water? Are the boats motorised or with sails?.What is the tide doing? Is the ground wet on a dry day?.

#Slack tide media how to

Can you see any rip currents? Do you know how to spot a rip current?.Are you in a bay or long shore line? Is the bay sheltered?.Are there any rocks? If so, where are they? How big are they?.What type of beach is it? (Sandy, shingles, pebbles, rocky, silty or muddy).

What type of waves are they? How are the waves breaking?.

Look at what is happening, how is the sea behaving? (Make sure the information is local to the area you are going to!) Useful websites to check are magicseaweed or the Met Office. Take note of wave and swell height, tide timings and whether it is a neap or spring tide.

Check the weather forecast and tide timetables.

Ask the locals, see if there is a local swimming group (formal or informal – many have social media pages or groups).

Have a look at where other people are swimming.

If you have never been to the location, speak to the lifeguards – let them know of your plans and, most importantly, take their advice! (Be aware that they are there to manage the main swimming and surfing areas).

Aim to swim at a beach that is lifeguarded.

Useful information to help you choose a good swimming spot Before you go Gathering information on potential risks and hazards is a gradual process – you can do this both prior to and upon arrival at your location.Īsk yourself, is it safe for me to swim? Do your own risk assessment of the area you are choosing to swim. A location you may consider ‘safe’ to swim one day may not be the next.Īs an open water swimmer, you are responsible for your own safety. Sea swimming is at the riskier end of the scale due to the ever-changing conditions. Open water swimming is intensely rewarding but comes with obvious risks.

Qualified swimming coach Sarah Wiseman gives an insight into how to remain safe when swimming in the sea.