Because it does not only happen to others, knowing the sea and its dangers, knowing how to inform oneself and remain vigilant during a session, are imperatives for the practice of water sports. The SNSM is committed to your side and protects you. Don't overlook this wise advice.
Lhe SNSM volunteers help thousands of people in distress every year. The vast majority of these rescues could be avoided if all users of the sea followed a few basic principles. On his website, the SNSM recalls them in detail. We invite you to discover the main features here.
At sea, stay united
All sailors know it. At sea, solidarity is king. The safety of users is often ensured by the presence of other sportsmen and boaters present on site. So be careful to quickly identify abnormal behavior, or people, boats and floating objects that could be adrift. If you are a boater, listen to channel 16 on the radio. If you are on the beach and witness an accident, feel free to use the app SavLife. And don't forget, "The first form of solidarity is that which consists in not being imprudent so as not to endanger those who will try to save you".
Prepare yourself before any activity at sea
Dry breakdown, defective equipment, lack of life jackets, no ladder on a boat or no spotting buoy for a diver. We don't count anymore interventions related to this type of negligence. They are therefore preventable by nature.
“For a family at the beach, getting ready means having spotted the lifeguard station or, on an unsupervised beach, the call point, the useful telephone, or even the signs that warn of particular dangers. "
Follow the weather forecast
Radio, TV, web, applications ... There are no more excuses! Before any outing at sea or on the beaches, whatever your activity, check the local weather forecast and enjoy in complete safety.
“If the wind drops when the kite-surfer has gone a long way, he is very bored […] If you are new to sea kayaking, you risk learning the hard way that a force 3 wind, ideal for sea kayaking. sail, quickly becomes hard to paddle. "
In the English Channel and the Atlantic, watch out for the tide
Every year, the tide traps or endangers holidaymakers and sports enthusiasts. Grounding, drifting, formation of bays, the risks are omnipresent. It is essential to leave the house bearing in mind tidal times and coefficients. For sailing enthusiasts, always plan your navigation according to the current map.
In the Mediterranean, take the wind seriously
The Big Blue can also be dangerous. The wind sometimes picks up very quickly and can blow with great violence. Never underestimate its power and potential.
“The thermal breeze that rises in the middle of the day and blows from the sea to the land. 'In the Mediterranean, the wind kills', Antoine Ferri, the former director of CROSS Med, told us, citing Yves Joly, former maritime prefect of the area. "
Know how to say no
It's very difficult to give up, but at sea know your limits and those of your equipment, it's often a matter of life and death ...
“Even Rescuers at Sea have the right and the duty not to go if they feel it is unreasonable. "
Adapt your practice to your age
Difficult to accept that we are no longer 20 years old. The elders are - along with the children - the most vulnerable on the beaches. Indeed, the form of the past has gradually faded, and from one year to the next the capacities may have deteriorated.
“Age may give the skipper of a boat wisdom and experience, but it does not improve his physical resistance. "
Have something to call for help
Several devices are used to prevent emergency services. VHF allows you to reach the official center that coordinates the rescue, as well as all the boats around you. If you have a telephone, two numbers allow you to reach the emergency services. the 196 is dedicated to navigation, while the most famous 112 collects all types of requests. The DIAL wristband tag is a very effective waterproof equipment for athletes.
“If something is wrong, you press a button to sound the alert. If your loved one can't help you, they'll send the alarm to helpers who can track your precise location and recover quickly, before hypothermia begins to take its toll. "
Avoid the "accident"
An end in a propeller, a drifting rescue boat, a rescue too difficult ... The accident is the enemy of the rescuers. In the event of an incident, accident or rescue, always start by evaluating your safety and your possibilities to act effectively.
“At sea, an accident is often the result of a chain of incidents: you lean overboard to untangle a net and you become a 'man overboard'. The electronics are broken, we insist on continuing anyway without a paper map or traffic light book and we end up at night, on a rock. The boat which must recover the divers is broken down adrift, while the wind has picked up, and prevents them from joining the boat. The accident is the one on top of it all. "
Support the SNSM
SNSM's lifeguards are volunteers. The financing of the acquisition and maintenance of rescue boats, as well as that of the training of crews, are mainly provided by donations and bequests individuals and businesses. The State and local authorities provide only a quarter of the total budget. Supporting this recognized association of public utility is therefore of the utmost importance.
And for your children, the SNSM has edited a very useful short video, recalling five basic tips for the youngest. Listen to lifeguards, wear a useful beach bracelet if your child gets lost, learn to check danger signs and swim in supervised areas.
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