11 What is the main reason for the recent change in the Bramber Bay tide timetable?
A Changes in global sea levels
B The introduction of new tracking technology
C The deepening of a local shipping channel
12 The speaker warns that the incoming tide at Dunmore Point is dangerous because
A it creates very strong undercurrents.
B it blocks the route back to the shore.
C it covers sharp, hidden rocks.
13 When reading the new printed tide booklets, users should pay special attention to
A the lunar cycle graphs.
B the water height numbers.
C the shaded grey boxes.
14 What does the speaker advise doing if caught off guard by a rising tide?
A Swim vigorously against the tidal sweep.
B Shout loudly to attract people on the beach.
C Stay in a high place and signal for help.
15 The new digital tide app is highly recommended because it
A provides accurate weather updates.
B works without an internet connection.
C contains an emergency contact button.
Questions 16–20
What specific advice is given for the following coastal activities?
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A–G, next to Questions 16–20.
Advice
A Only do this during a neap tide
B Wear brightly coloured clothing
C Always carry a whistle
D Check the wind direction first
E Complete this two hours before low water
F Keep away from the cliff base
G Ensure you have proper footwear
Coastal Activities
16 Rock-pooling
17 Clam digging
18 Cliff walking
19 Kayaking
20 Dog walking
Keys
11 C
12 B
13 C
14 C
15 B
16 G
17 E
18 F
19 D
20 C
Transcript
Part 2: You will hear a monologue about coastal safety and reading local tide timetables.
Hello everyone, and welcome. Thank you for coming to the Bramber Bay community hall this evening. First off, if you’ve already glanced at the new schedules, you’ll notice the tidal times have shifted quite a bit compared to last year. We’ve had a lot of questions about this. Some folks assumed it’s a consequence of global sea-level changes, or perhaps the introduction of new satellite tracking technology. Actually, the explanation is straightforward. The port authority recently undertook a massive dredging project, and the deepening of a local shipping channel has fundamentally changed how water funnels into the bay, altering our tides by twenty minutes.
Regarding coastal safety, I must strongly warn you about Dunmore Point. The incoming tide there is notoriously deceptive. People often think the primary danger comes from sudden, strong undercurrents or perhaps hidden rocks beneath the surface. However, the real issue is that the water rapidly rushes in behind the beach. Before you realize what is happening, it completely blocks the route back to the shore, leaving you entirely stranded.
To help you stay safe, we’ve distributed the new printed tide booklets at local shops. The general layout is familiar. You really don’t need to stress over the complex lunar cycle graphs, and you can skim past the water height numbers. However, when reading the tables, users must pay special attention to the shaded grey boxes. These highlight critical time adjustments for daylight saving time.
If you find yourself unexpectedly caught off guard by a rising tide, the most important rule is not to panic. Attempting to swim vigorously against a tidal sweep is incredibly dangerous, and shouting loudly is useless against the wind. Instead, your best chance is to stay in a high place and signal for help by waving a brightly coloured jacket to attract the rescue boats.
Alongside the printed booklets, I highly recommend downloading our digital tide app. Other maritime apps might provide weather updates or feature an emergency contact button. But what makes our app essential is that it works without an internet connection. Given that we have virtually zero mobile phone reception in the coves, this offline capability is a genuine lifesaver.
Let’s quickly run through some specific advice for popular coastal activities around the bay.
If you’re rock-pooling at the Craggy Inlets, the seaweed is exceptionally slick. It’s very easy to slip and injure yourself, so you must ensure you have proper footwear with a textured grip.
For clam digging on the eastern mudflats, timing is everything. The mud becomes dangerously unstable at the bottom of the tide. Therefore, you must complete this two hours before low water and head back to dry land.
If you prefer cliff walking, the top paths are perfectly safe. But down on the beach below, coastal erosion is highly active. We’ve had rockfalls recently, so you must keep away from the cliff base.
For kayaking, the tidal currents are strong, but sudden gusts can push a boat into the open ocean. You must check the wind direction first before launching.
Lastly, for dog walking, thick sea fog can roll in within minutes. Because you can lose your bearings quickly, you should always carry a whistle so search teams can easily track you down.
