Check the wind before you head out on the water: children rescued from shore by lifeguards

Lifeguards on Denmark’s beaches have issued a warning after multiple rescues last week, including three children who were blown offshore on a board at Skagen Sønderstrand.

Strong offshore winds prevented the children from paddling back to shore, forcing lifeguards to intervene. Later in the week, a man 100 metres out at Blokhus Strand called for help when he could not make progress against the wind; he was assisted by two swimmers and later airlifted by helicopter after lifeguards arrived.

“Not everyone realises how dangerous offshore winds can be,” said Anders Hammer, training manager at TrygFonden Kystlivredning. “More people are ending up in situations that can quickly become life-threatening.”

Stand-up paddleboards and similar equipment are popular, but offshore winds can turn a leisure activity into a hazard, he added.

Weather has shifted in recent days, with temperatures falling from near 30°C and winds picking up. TrygFonden Kystlivredning now warns that more people may find themselves in situations like those last week, especially surfers and others on the water when winds strengthen.

Hammer advises against taking boards into the water when offshore winds are present. “If the flag on top of the lifeguard tower is yellow, it can signal offshore winds—talk to the lifeguards before you go out,” he said.