Benjamín Romero, head of Maritime Rescue for the Red Cross in Euskadi, has highlighted that the most common mistake is not checking the tide tables beforehand. He emphasized the need not to rely on visual observation and to know the exact times of high and low tide, deeming it fundamental.
“"The fundamental thing is always to consult the tide table. Don't trust your sight at that moment, you must know exactly at what times high tide and low tide are."
Romero also explained the “two-hour rule”: ideally, one should cross to the island an hour before low tide and return, at the latest, an hour after. He added that if there are waves, crossing should clearly be avoided. In other coastal areas, such as La Arena beach, rising water can isolate people on cliff sections. If this happens, the message is clear: stay calm and do not attempt to swim out.
“"What is fundamental is not to jump into the water and try to cross on our own, knowing that in a few hours the water will recede again."
If isolated and unable to call for help, the recommendation is to “find the highest area, protect yourself from the cold, and wait for the necessary hours, which is until the next low tide.” According to the expert, in these situations, “there is no risk to human life.” The majority of these incidents, 99%, are due to a lack of knowledge, especially among tourists who are unfamiliar with the Cantabrian Sea and tide control. The temperature difference of the Cantabrian Sea is also a factor often overlooked.
“"99% are tourists, it is totally tourist-related and with a great lack of knowledge of tide control, of the sudden change in water."
For all these reasons, in addition to consulting mobile applications or official tables, the Red Cross offers a final recommendation: ask local people. Romero encourages visitors to “integrate with locals and consult them” to resolve their doubts, as “they would be delighted to explain the risks involved.”
