July 30, 2005
Dangers of coastal mud explained to Bridgwater Cubs during visit

A group of Bridgwater Cubs has visited Burnham's hovercraft station to learn more about the dangers of mud along Somerset's coastline.

The group listened intently as they were told how the hovercraft glides out across mud to rescue people trapped along the coast.

Along with a tour of the station and the opportunity to met crewmembers, the youngsters had the chance to dip their hands into several deep buckets of mud collected from the beach and feel what the material is like.

With guidance from crew member Chris Gammon (pictured), they were able to understand how dangerous the material is - and also how easy it is to get stuck in it.

Mark Newman, BARB press officer, said: "Promoting water safety to young people is one of our group's most important roles."

"This visit gave the cubs an insight into the dangers that lie along our coastline and demonstrated once again the importance of staying away from the mud at low tide when the material is exposed."

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