Two separate bystanders have sent in pictures of what they describe as a ‘close-call’ for people who put themselves at risk in the tidal waters of Findhorn Bay.
Both have asked to remain anonymous, but said they wanted to show the public how dangerous the sandbanks at the bay can be, especially at very low tides.
One called the emergency services – the Coastguard and Moray Inshore Rescue (MIRO) attended to help the group of adults and children safely back to shore.
At its lowest, the sand can stretch out for some 800m at low tide. As the tide comes in it encircles sandbanks, leaving an ‘island’ which eventually is submerged itself. The water surrounding these ‘islands’ eventually gets too deep to wade through, and rises very quickly.
‘Spring tides’ occur twice a month where the low tide goes out furthest.
Tides and sandbanks
A reader said: “This morning we noted this family with young kids walk far out to the sea at Findhorn beach, clearly they did not think about the tides and that the sandbanks would soon be under water.
“They were far out and shouting did not help to attract their attention. As the crowd gathered on the beach my friend called the sea rescue lifeguards and they despached some men to the shoreline and they also launched their recovery boat.
“When they reached the inlet, the family were cut off. They waded in water often carrying the children dangerously and some using the fireman’s lift.
“On reaching safety the others who had been watching spoke to this man who was belligerent and argued with others, he did not even thank the lifeboat crews.”
Another onlooker added: “A family including children and elderly were caught out by the incoming spring tide at the entrance to Findhorn Bay.
“I saw the Coastguard teams from Burghead and Moray Inshore Rescue Lifeboat from Findhorn. A Coastguard member assisted them to the shore while the lifeboat remained on the scene…
“The family insisted they knew what they were doing and seemed more concerned that people had their phones out taking photos.”
We received photos which would identify the family. However, we’ve upheld their anonymity as well. The message here is simply ‘Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home.’
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