RNLI research has shown that over a five-year period there were 1,800 launches by lifeboats in Ireland and the UK to assist people cut off in coastal areas by incoming tides.
"Tides are not easily understood by the public," says Chris Cousens of the RNLI's Safety section. "Our experience is that people find it difficult to understand tides."
The lifeboat organisation has been carrying out a study through Bangor University which has shown that the speed of the tide catches people out. Chris Cousens is the RNLI Water Safety Lead, based in Wales.
The findings of the study in the UK can be applied to Ireland also he says and shows that there is low public literacy in regard to tides.
"We have to look at the way we and other water safety organisations communicate the tidal message."
Listen to more with Chris Cousens on this topic on the Podcast below.
