The activity turned into a tragedy. Last Thursday, a group of eight people aged 60 to 75 who were practicing longe-côte on a beach in Conquet (Finistère) were caught by the waves. The provisional toll is heavy: two women and one man have died. Another woman, who was urgently taken to the hospital, is still receiving care this Monday. According to the Brest public prosecutor, the individuals were apparently caught in a maritime swell phenomenon, accentuated by the weather conditions, and would have been “destabilized by the waves”. Since the tragedy, the topic has been on everyone’s minds. “I hear about it every day. People are wondering and it’s completely normal,” testifies Romain Leray.
The president of the Longe-côte club in La Baule has been practicing and supervising the discipline for over fifteen years. “It’s a real shock. I have never heard of another accident like this,” acknowledges the supervisor. According to initial findings, the group was practicing aquatic walking autonomously, meaning without formal supervision, when they were swept away. “I really don’t want to pass judgment. Because the sea belongs to everyone and everyone is free to walk on it. But it remains a natural environment that can be hostile, just like the mountains. You need to know the location where you practice, know the environment, know how the beach changes with the tides,” testifies the 40-year-old athlete.
Seen often as a sport for older people, longe-côte is practiced with water between the navel and the armpits. This BNI or “good level of immersion” is essential for participants. However, it can be compromised in strong currents, swell, or rip currents. Hence, the importance of knowing the place well and not venturing into rough seas, even when you can touch the ground. Especially if you are older. Less alert and physically prepared to swim, senior citizens will have more difficulty in case of trouble.
Context: The article discusses a tragic incident where a group of people practicing longe-côte faced the consequences of being caught in waves on a beach in Conquet, France.
Fact Check: The incident led to the death of two women and one man, with another woman in critical condition. It emphasizes the importance of safety measures and knowing one’s environment when engaging in coastal activities.
