Baïnes on the Bay of Arcachon.
Swimming in the ocean in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region can sometimes be dangerous, if you’re not wary of baïnes. We’ll explain what they are and what to do if you get caught in one.
How does a bayonet work?
Baïne resembles a natural pool formed between a beach and a sandbank. How does this phenomenon work? At high tide, waves pass over the sandbank and fill the Baïne. Their water level is then above sea level. How to recognize a baïnes? At low tide, a baïne forms a hole in the beach. Water can stagnate there, even though most of the beach is dry. At high tide, a baïne appears under an area of calm water where the waves don’t break. The color of the water is darker. How to recognize baïnes? At low tide, the baïne forms a basin on the coast. A little water may accumulate here, while most of the beach is dry. At high tide, a baïne appears as an area of calm water where the waves don’t break. The color of the water is darker.
When do baïnes form?
The Baïne is made up of high tidal relief, fine sand, low gradient and high swells. At high tide, the undercurrent generated by waves breaking on the beach carries the sand out to sea. As the tide rises, sandbanks form parallel to the shore.
When are baïnes dangerous?
This basin is called the baïne. When filled with water, a strong current is created between the inlet and outlet of the bowl. The danger arises during the 2nd and 3rd hours of high tide and the 4th and 5th hours of low tide.
How to get out of a bay?
Others suggest swimming parallel to the shore to get out of the current as quickly as possible and into the breaking zone. Contrary to what you might think, this is where the breaking waves are safest for us (the waves don’t break in the bay).
What do you do when you’re caught in a bay?
If you’re caught in a current, don’t try to swim against it, just let the current carry you. Ask for help as soon as possible. When the sea level rises, don’t stay on the sandbar, as you risk losing your footing in the pool and being swept away by the current. The water rises on the wall and a hole forms in its center.
