Beach Fishing and Spring Tides: Dangers and Precautions to Take

The Dangers of Shore Fishing
The Dangers of Shore Fishing © Laurent Duclos

Beachcombing during spring tides poses three major risks in particular: rapidly rising water levels, becoming stranded on the foreshore, and difficulties related to the terrain, such as mud, quicksand, or currents. Best practices include checking the tide tables, going with a companion, keeping the coast in sight, and planning your return well before high tide.

The Main Dangers

The first danger is the rising tide: it can come back very quickly, bypass a sandbar, or cut off the way back, especially if you underestimate how fast the water rises. The second risk stems from the topography of the foreshore, which is never flat: holes, channels, areas of standing water, slippery rocks, and muddy sections can trap the angler or significantly slow their progress. The third danger is weather-related: wind, swells, fog, or rain can make it harder to find your way, increase the perceived cold, and make rescue efforts more difficult.

How can we deal with this?

Before heading out, be sure to check the tide tables and, if possible, familiarize yourself with the specifics of the fishing spot. Safety authorities also recommend never going out alone, letting a loved one know your chosen area and expected return time, and bringing a waterproof phone as well as a way to signal for help, such as a whistle. Once there, keep an eye on the time, pick a landmark on the shore, and head back early enough?ideally before the tide starts to rise significantly.

In the event of silting or an emergency

If you get stuck in the mud, don?t pull your legs out abruptly: it?s better to distribute your body weight, brace yourself with your hands, and try to get out while minimizing the suction effect. If you encounter a problem, call 196 for CROSS or 18 depending on the situation, and report your exact location. When the water rises or anxiety increases, the priority is to remain visible, not to panic, and to call for help immediately.

Useful Precautions

Wear high-visibility clothing suitable for cold weather, especially in winter or when the wind is strong. Avoid restricted areas, check the sanitary conditions of the areas, and adhere to the permitted sizes and quantities, as caution is also essential for food safety.

A simple rule sums it all up: you go out onto the foreshore with the intention of heading back early, never with the intention of ?seeing how far you can go.?

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