Visitors to the coast are being urged to stay away from cliff bases and edges due to an increased risk of rock falls.

The Isle of Wight Council has said people should not underestimate the risks they are taking when they stand on top of cliffs or walk directly underneath them.

In extreme temperatures, the risk of rockfalls along the Island’s coastline is even greater than usual. Heat causes rocks to expand and, particularly during temperature fluctuations, any pre-existing cracks can widen, and new cracks can also form. This makes cliffs potentially more unstable and rock falls more likely to happen.

Heavy rainfall forecast this week could also weaken the cliffs, with potential for further rock falls.

The Isle of Wight is famous for its spectacular coastline, which is constantly eroding and moving. This erosion process can be devastating if people are sat underneath them.

The Island’s coastline has a number of areas with an increased potential for rockfalls, particularly at Yaverland and along the south west coast at Brook and Compton.

The Coastguard has issued the following advice for beachgoers:

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for coastal management, said it was important for people to heed the warnings.

“People come from far and wide to enjoy our coastline, but the beauty hides many dangers.

“Rocks can and do fall from above without warning, and you will be in danger of getting crushed or trapped. As well as this, if you’re walking on the clifftop, you can’t see cracks and overhangs beneath you. Chalk, particularly, is very unstable and can crumble without warning.

“We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but to do so safely and be aware of the dangers.”

Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for public protection, has said:

“Rock falls and landslides are unpredictable and can happen at any time, but we do know which conditions make them more likely, and prolonged hot and dry spells are one of them.

“We would encourage everyone to stay away from the base of cliffs, and if you are walking along the coast paths, keep well away from the edges. It is easy to enjoy the Island’s beautiful coast without putting yourself or others at risk.”

If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.

Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using /// what3words .

what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.

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Cant be long now before the military road has to be closed, the cliff erosion is only a few metres away now in the middle parts. Still lets not future plan eh IWC when there is clearly a problem?Lets not put in a side track in preparation, lets wait till the inevitable happens and it’s too late.

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