All you need to know about baïnes in Landes

Baïnes are geographical phenomena particularly present on the Landes coastline. These are depressions formed between sandbanks, which fill with water as the tide rises. These natural pools, invisible from the beach at low tide, appear as the water rises, creating powerful outgoing currents on the ebb tide. Waves break with less intensity, which can give a false sense of security. These currentscan surprise bathers and carry them out to sea, increasing the risk of drowning. This natural formation is the product of the dynamic interaction between the water of the Atlantic Ocean, the wind, the movement of the tides and the fine sand characteristic of Landes beaches.

Bayes pose the greatest risk to careless bathers for a number of reasons:

• The strength of rip currents: these can reach very high speeds, making it difficult to swim against them.
• Lack of awareness of the phenomenon: many holidaymakers are unaware of the existence of baïnes and don’t know how to identify them.
• The difficulty of spotting them: baïnes are not always visible and can take those who venture too far from the edge by surprise.
• A false sense of security: the calmer waters of the baïnes can encourage excessive relaxation.

These conditions create a heightened level of alert, particularly during the summer season when crowds on the beaches increase the risk of accidents. In France, a new legislative window has been opened on beach safety, highlighting the importance of informing the public about the dangers of bay beaches.

Baïnes are characteristic of the beaches along the Landes coastline. They can be found in various locations on Landes beaches, from the Gironde department to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in areas where sea currents and the formation of sandbanks favor their appearance. They can therefore be found on many supervised beaches, but also on less-frequented stretches of coast, where caution is called for due to the absence of surveillance. Some areas are more prone to the formation of bays than others, and their location can vary from tide to tide. Hence the importance of obtaining information on beach conditions from local emergency services, or from information boards which are often updated with the latest tide and current information on the Landes baïnes.

Spotting a bayne requires a trained eye. Usually, they can be identified bya different, often darkercolor of the water, a sign of greater depth. Thepresence of a less powerful wave that doesn’t break in the same place as the rest is also a clue. Another thing to watch out for is the direction of the water’s movements, which in a baïne will tend to flow offshore, illustrating the return current. It’s best to stay close to supervised areas, where lifeguards are trained to detect baïnes and can alert you if there’s a risk.Observing the coastline from a high vantage point can also help you spot these coastal phenomena before venturing into the water.

When faced with a Landes bay, simple actions can save lives. Here are just a few of them:

• Ask the locals and beach supervisors about current conditions.
• Always swim in designated, supervised areas marked by beach flags.
• If you find yourself caught in a bay stream, don’ t panic or swim directly against the current. Swim parallel to the beach until you feel out of the current, then swim back towards the beach.
• Observe the sea before venturing out and learn to spot the signs of a bay.
• Always be vigilant, even when swimming in a seemingly calm area.

If you follow these instructions, you’ll enjoy a pleasant holiday in the Landes region, with no nasty surprises.

Raising awareness and informing local populations and tourists is a major factor in preventing accidents linked to baïnes. In the Landes region, numerous initiatives are in place to educate the public about the risks and how to behave in the face of these natural hazards. Explanatory signs, informative brochures, dedicated mobile applications and beach lifeguards are just some of the tools used to disseminate this vital information. Municipalities and tourist organizations, such as campsites like our one near Biscarrosse on the coast, offer information sessions and hands-on workshops to help you better understand how bays work. These can also be presented in schools and local gathering places. Finally, sharing information online and distributing explanatory videos are other effective ways of raising awareness among a wider public of the need for caution when it comes to the Landes baïnes.