Don't dodge waves

Coastguards on Humberside have been called out to two separate wave dodging incidents on Tuesday, as members of the public, seeking thrills from the rough weather, risk their lives to dodge waves on piers and along the coast.

Whitby Police called Humber Coastguard at just before 5.00 pm to request that a Coastguard team checked reports of a man and child on East Pier at Whitby dodging waves. Whitby Coastguard Rescue team observed a man on the pier. He was advised to stay away from the end of the pier during the gale force weather which has been battering the area today.

At 5.50 pm, Humber Police called Humber Coastguard to request their assistance with more wave dodgers in their area. People had parked their cars in cliff top car parks and were dodging waves at Skipsea Sands. A telepgraph pole had already been uprooted and fallen into the sea. Hornsea Coastguard Rescue Team were requested to attend the scene but by the time that they arrived the wave dodgers had gone.

Drew Mahood, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager says:
Wave dodging can be very dangerous in rough weather. These people are taking a serious risk with their lives. So far today we have not had to deal with a serious wave dodging incident and we would like that to continue. The sea is a harsh and dangerous environment which should be treated with respect particularly during rough weather.