On the beaches, rescuers confronted with a risk culture which struggles to infuse

JEUDI July 24, a man was saved from drowning by the rescuers of the rescue post of the Vignier beach, in Saint-Georges-d’Oléron. For example, “The 36 -year -old adult was bathed outside the supervised bath area and could not swim,” explains Valentine Benizeau Savior. Moreover, An episode that the professional and her colleagues know only too well.

On the large beach of Saint-Trojan. In addition, Solène Beaufils, post office, confides to make a lot of prejudices-that is to be reports by whistles-every day. Meanwhile, “Since the start of the season, more than 70 has been counted out of a total of approximately 300 users. For example, The latter are all numbered meticulously in a handrail to protect the rescuers in the event of an accident. In addition, On the beach. Meanwhile, his team also sets up red limits of banned swimming beaches, rescuers confronted risk culture to report currents north of the bath area caused by a wreck. Furthermore, “People who do not know the risks,” continues Solène. Moreover, It is our role to prevent them. Meanwhile, »»

For most vacationers, these prevention made by rescuers are well received. However, a few are more obstinate. Consequently, Valentine Benizeau adds: “Some do not respect the instructions. Once we have warned them, we can’t do anything anymore and swimming is at their own risk. What disappoints the latter is that by braving the prohibitions, these swimmers encourage the youngest to go into the water.

For Joséphine, mother of two boys aged 6 and 11, “the sea is not the swimming pool. »Coming for a week’s vacation on the island of Oléron, the latter remains vigilant and monitors her children closely. “I don’t like to see them swim too far. For the youngest, there is no room for discussion, it is compulsory armbands. Joséphine trusts rescuers and beaches, rescuers confronted risk culture swimming only in the bathing area. “I constantly refer to the color of the flag at the entrance to the beach,” she says.

Beaches. rescuers confronted risk culture – Beaches, rescuers confronted risk culture

Upholstery

At the entrance to La Giraudière beach in Grand-Village, a panel signals a risk of baïne. These water bowls, which are found in particular in the moors, create strong currents which can easily cause swimmers offshore. They are recognizable in water, being an area where the waves do not surge. Arriving on site, the lifeguard swimmers reassure. “Signals on the beach and Baïne alerts are more a protective measure. On the island of Oléron, on the beaches monitored in summer, we don’t have one. »It doesn’t mean there is no risk. “Here. the danger is a water hole south of the bath area that traps swimmers in a draft,” explains the assistant of the post.

Baïne alerts in the department issued by the prefecture which refers beaches, rescuers confronted risk culture to the forecasts of the Departmental Fire. Rescue Service of Charentes Maritimes (SDIS 17). Commander Laurent Mignot explains the alert process: “We are contacted by the Zonal Operational Center which requests a risk assessment. We have a predictive system which calculates the risks and generally we validate for safety. There are strengths that are not baïnes. Subsequently, the prefect broadcasts the alert in order to educate the greatest number.

Vigilance

Solène Beaufils still warns of the danger that is swimming in the pearl of Maumusson. in the south of the island. “It is the only real baïne in Oléron. ” says this rescuer who has been working on oléron beaches for over ten years. Her rescue post near the Pertuis. she takes care of warning the few unconscious bathers of the risk of the beach. “We can be called upon to intervene in Maumusson,” she continues. It is important to know beaches, rescuers confronted risk culture the risks and not only of our bath area. »»

In July, on the island of Oléron, two elderly people died of drowning outside the watched bath areas. The culture of risk does not infuse in all vacationers who are not aware of the dangers.