Ex-Torquay United player Adebayo 'The Beast' Akinfenwa helping to educate on dangers of coastline

A new film featuring former Torquay United player Adebayo 'The Beast' Akinfenwa highlights the hidden dangers of the coast and urges the public to stay 'Coast Clever' ahead of next week's half term school holidays.

The film features Akinfenwa - who signed for Torquay United in July 2004 and was named the supporters' Player of the Season before joining Swansea City in July 2005 - as he talks about some of the most common pitfalls around the coast, including mud and tides.

Widely known for his physique, and being football’s strongest man, Akinfenwa highlights how even the strongest people cannot underestimate the coast.

HM Coastguard is called to around 36,000 incidents each year – with peak times happening in the summer, bank holidays and half term time. This figure has increased by 50 per cent in four years, with 24,000 incidents reported in 2018.

The 'Coast Clever' campaign comes on the back of a survey commissioned by HM Coastguard that shows that although 72 per cent of people know that they should check tide times before they set out for a walk at the coast, only 33 per cent claim that they do, highlighting the difference between knowing and doing.

In the film, HM Coastguard asks people to be prepared before going to the coast to ensure they can peacefully enjoy their time. When going to the coast everyone should:

• stay away from cliff edges and bases
• check tide times before setting out
• avoid mud
• in case of emergency at the coast call 999 and ask for Coastguard.

The survey also found that if respondents became stuck in mud at the coast, 28 per cent of people would try to get someone else to pull them out while 24 per cent would stay still to see if it lets you out and 13 per cent would wriggle around to try and get out. HM Coastguard advises to try and spread your weight if you get stuck in the mud and call 999 for the Coastguard.

Akinfenwa said: "I’m known as football’s strongest man but sometimes being the strongest isn’t enough. Out on the UK coast, it’s about being prepared, careful and diligent.

"We all love a bit of a chill time by the coast, but I want to encourage people to be safe out there. The coast can tackle even the strongest opponent – take it to from ‘The Beast’.

"Taking the time to prepare goes a long way, so let’s not underestimate the coast. By being clever – we can all enjoy the coast for a nice long time."

Claire Hughes, director of the Coastguard said: "Everyone enjoys a bit of time at the coast by the seaside. This half-term, we want to remind Brits to enjoy their time at the coast as safely as possible.

"While many of us know to take precautions when going to the coast, our recent survey shows this is not necessarily always practised.

"Our campaign ‘Coast Clever’ is a great reminder for people to check tide times, stay away from cliff edges and avoid the mud. But if you are in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."