Etienne Giot, prefect of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and prefect of the Gironde, called on people who frequent the beaches to be very careful.
Sunday 3 and Monday 4 September 2023 are rated as most at risk for the Pines currents on the coast in the Pyrenees-Atlantic, Landes, Gironde and Charente-Maritime departments.
Swimming is highly discouraged. Swimmers and water sports enthusiasts who frequent the beaches are requested to exercise utmost caution.
Top tips for safe swimming:
- Supervise your children at all times, and always stay with them when they are playing at the water’s edge or when they are in the water;
- Consider your physical condition: do not swim if you feel a physical problem (fatigue,
- health problems, chills) and do not overestimate your swimming level;
- An attentive bather is a safe bather: warn a relative before taking a bath, respect the safety instructions indicated by bathing flags, do not expose yourself to the sun for a long time and enter the water gradually, do not drink alcohol before swimming, etc.;
- In an emergency, call 112 (free from a landline or mobile)
