NEW warning signs have been put up on Sully Island in an attempt to raise awareness of the risks from the incoming tide.

The majority of call-outs to the RNLI station at Penarth are from people trapped on Sully Island by speed and force of the incoming tide.

In recent weeks 14 people have been rescued by Penarth lifeboats.

According to the RNLI, the speed of the incoming tide can make crossing from the mainland to Sully Island dangerous and potentially life threatening.

Safe crossing times are already indicated by a traffic light system, but it is hoped that the new signs will help raise awareness further.

Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: "We hope these news signs on Sully Island will complement the existing safety measures to help increase awareness around the risks of walking to and from the island.

"These signs are aimed at visitors on the island, primarily to ask anyone who does become cut off not to attempt to enter the water to return to the mainland."

Nicola Davies, RNLI community incident reduction manager, said: "We ask people going to Sully Island to always check the tidal traffic light sign located on the wall heading down to the causeway to check when if it is safe to cross.

"If it is green it is safe to go and the sign will tell people how long they can safely stay on the island.

"If it shows amber then you must be cautious as the tide is heading back in, if the sign is showing red our advice is never to go to the island as there is a real risk of being cut off.

"If anyone does get stuck on the island our advice is not to try and wade ashore, which is dangerous.

"People can easily be swept away by the strong tidal currents. People should stay on the island and dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

The RNLI, in partnership with other organisations, is undertaking a range of initiatives to increase knowledge about dangers at Sully Island and it is hoped that the new signs will help raise people's awareness of the risks involved when visiting Sully Island.

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