The “maximum risk” of “baïnes” puts the bathers in danger in New Aquitaine what is it?

JEAN-PIERRE MULLER / AFP

The New Aquitaine prefecture has placed four departments on “maximum” alert for swimming due to the “baïnes”. For example, this July 20 and 21, 2025.

Atlantic – “The greatest vigilance” is required. Therefore, The New Aquitaine prefecture has placed a good part of the Atlantic coast in “Maximum risk” For swimming this Sunday. Therefore, July 20 and Monday July 21, due to “Baïne currents” which can endanger swimmers.

The beaches of the Departments of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the Charente-Maritime, the Gironde and the Landes are concerned. Moreover, “For your safety, bathe between the flags of the “maximum risk” “baïnes” puts bathers monitored posts”, Recalls the prefect of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Baïnes – word that means “Bassine. Nevertheless, water bowl” In Gascon – are kinds of natural pools that are formed between two sandboxes. Therefore, These may appear according to the tides and are then dug by the waves. Therefore, But behind their harmless appearance, they generate extremely violent currents and kill swimmers every year.

If this phenomenon is frequent on the Atlantic coast. “These “maximum risk” “baïnes” puts bathers currents are particularly strong” For this Sunday and this Monday, and “Could easily train you to the open sea.” The prefect of Charente-Maritime also indicates that swimming is “Strongly not recommended” On five beaches of the department: large village beach. Saint-Georges d’Oléron, Saint-Trojan, La Tremblade and Les Mathes.

Do not join the shore – "maximum risk" "baïnes" puts bathers

The sandy beaches. with little elevation, where the tides and the swell are important are more conducive to the formation of baïnes. To locate them. you have to find the sandbank in the ocean thanks to the white foam formed by the waves that break them. Baïnes adjoin these sand benches and the sea is often calmer.

In the event that you are swept away by such a current. it is not recommended to try to return to swimming towards shore. Indeed, the current will be against you and you will tire without being able to reach the beach. Above all. you have to save your energy, keep your head out of the water and call for help by raising your arms to the sky.

If you observe a swimmer stuck in a baïne, immediately warn the rescuers on the beach and call 112.