Increased Vigilance by Boat Teams in 300-meter Safety Zone between Swimming Area and Watercraft, following a Tragic Child's Death in 2024 at Bassin d'Arcachon
In the picturesque town of Arcachon, located in the Gironde region of France, the nautical brigade is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those who enjoy the water. The Arcachon basin, with its dynamic tidal environment, presents unique challenges that require constant vigilance and adherence to maritime rules.
Not everyone agrees with the need for reminders and regulations on the basin, but the daily safety measures are necessary due to a lack of boating experience among some pleasure boaters and the high risk of collision in certain zones. Major Jérôme Goussard, commander of the nautical brigade, emphasizes the importance of these reminders, stating that a lack of experience among pleasure boaters is a common issue.
The nautical brigade of Arcachon monitors an elastic territory ranging from 150 to 80 square kilometers. They advance in pairs, using speedboats or jet skis, and are now equipped with cameras to address urban behaviours on the basin during the summer months. Major Alain, a reserve gendarme, emphasizes the importance of bathers and ships in motion taking the buoys, due to reduced visibility in bright, wavy conditions.
The 300-meter zone from the beach is the focus of all attention for the nautical brigade. Here, there is a lot of traffic, and a speed limit of 5 knots must be strictly enforced. A pleasure boater acknowledges that reminders help calm down people who do not follow the rules, while Major Alain signals boats to slow down near the Pilat dune.
Unfortunately, recent accidents serve as reminders of the need for the nautical brigade's presence in the 300-meter zone. The death of a child hit by a boat has led to increased surveillance in the area. The gendarmes constantly remind people of the regulations and provide education, hoping to prevent future tragedies.
It is not mandatory to wear a life jacket, but it is safer to do so, according to a gendarme. Consulting up-to-date nautical charts, which show tides, currents, hazards, and depth zones, is also crucial for safe navigation. Public awareness campaigns and possibly briefings by local tour operators are also recommended, particularly those offering catamaran or boat excursions around the basin.
Local authorities, tourist offices, and nautical centers typically provide safety information and courses for novices and families interested in fishing or water sports. Use of accurate nautical charts tailored for the Arcachon area, such as SHOM charts, helps sailors identify hazards, tides, and currents. Daily reminders to check weather and tidal forecasts before setting out are also essential.
Overall, the daily safety reminders aim to ensure that both locals and tourists understand the unique maritime environment of Arcachon and take necessary precautions to enjoy their nautical activities safely. Adjutant-Chef Frédéric, who prefers jet skis for their precision and maneuverability, agrees that these measures are necessary for the safety of all who enjoy the Arcachon basin.
- In the French town of Arcachon, the nautical brigade emphasizes the importance of safety reminders, particularly in the 300-meter zone from the beach due to a high risk of accidents.
- Major Alain, a reserve gendarme in Arcachon, underlines the significance of adhering to regulations and using buoys, especially during summer months when bright, wavy conditions reduce visibility, contributing to sports-related accidents.
