Rip currents & other swimming hazards

Landes beaches are a great place for swimming and other activities but please be aware of local specificities to avoid accidents.

Everything you need to know about baïnes

What is a baïne ?

How are baïnes formed ?

The formation of baïnes occurs in the sea where there are strong tides, fine sand and a very low gradient. At high tide, the backwash caused by the waves swelling and crashing on the beach causes sandbanks to form, parallel to the beach. At high tide these sandbanks are underwater, but when the tide recedes, seawater is caught behind the sandbank. As it attempts to wash back, this water breaches the bank, forming a baïne current. As the tides come and go, the sandbank grows and the pool deepens, making the currents even stronger.

How to react to a baïne ?

What to do if you get carried away by a baïne current: Do not panic. Let yourself drift without fighting the current to avoid wasting energy. Call for help and swim parallel to the beach to escape the current, without fighting it.

All about Shore Break

What is a Shore Break ?

Shore breaks are waves that crash on the beach at high tide. The steep slope of Les Landes beaches at high tide accentuates this phenomenon. These waves are extremely swift and powerful since they are not slowed down by any obstacles before breaking on the sand.
There are two risks for swimmers. Firstly, they may be propelled violently against the sand, which can cause injury. Secondly, rip currents may be created, making it difficult for swimmers to return to the beach. These currents are less frequent than baïne currents.

How to react to a shore break?

What to do if there are powerful shore breaks : do not turn your back to the waves, go under the waves and wait for a lull before going into or out of the water. In the event of difficulties, do not panic. Raise your arms and call for help; wait for a lull before leaving the water.

Learn all about other existing risks

Marine life: weever fish and jellyfish live along our coast and can cause problems. While their stings can be extremely painful, they are usually not dangerous. 

Weever fish

These small fish hide in the sand and raise their dorsal fin to protect themselves. Their dorsal fin has one or several spines that inject venom into the feet of unfortunate beachgoers who step on them. 
Their venom is thermolabile and dissipates with heat. If you get stung by a weever, it is best to walk on hot sand or place your foot in hot water (around 40°C). Do not use cigarettes or lighters, you may burn yourself! 
On rare occasions, the sting may get infected. We recommend disinfecting the wound.

Jellyfish

Not all jellyfish are venomous. Their tentacles may cause pain similar to an electric shock or a burn. On rare occasions they may trigger an allergic reaction.

When stung by a jellyfish, carefully remove any tentacles still on the skin using sand and then rinse with saltwater. Freshwater will make the pain worse. A soothing cream from the lifeguards’ station or a pharmacy can also be applied. If the pain persists, consult a doctor.

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Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia)

Occasionally present along the Landes coast, Physalia physalis, commonly mistaken for jellyfish, are in fact a different species altogether. They are made up of a translucent blue or pink float, similar in appearance to a small balloon, and drift with the wind. Their long tentacles, which can stretch over several metres, are highly venomous and can cause painful stings.

A real risk along the Landes coastline
These tentacles can detach and drift far from the main body, remaining toxic even after washing ashore dry, inactive, and days old. The danger is real, even on the sand.

A simple protocol should be followed in case of contact, whether you’re on a monitored beach or swimming independently. If stung, report to the lifeguard station if the beach is supervised.

What to do in case of envenomation:
First and foremost, if you are in a supervised swimming area, it is best to go to the nearest lifeguard station.

• Exit the water immediately.
• Look for any visible tentacles on your skin.
• Apply shaving foam (or dry sand if unavailable) to trap any remaining filaments.
• Gently scrape them off using a rigid card (e.g. a bank card).
• Rinse with warm seawater if possible.
• If you have access to white vinegar (5–8%), dilute it to 25% with seawater (⚠️ never use fresh water) and rinse the affected area.
• Apply something cold if the pain persists.
• Remain under observation for at least 30 minutes, as systemic symptoms may occur.

In rarer cases, envenomation can lead to additional symptoms: muscle cramps, shaking, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a general feeling of malaise. If any of these occur, call emergency services (dial 15 in France) or the nearest poison control centre without delay.

Want to Need practical info?
Three resources are available (in French only):

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The risks in the Landes lakes

The lakes in the Landes region can also present certain dangers, mainly due to unexpected changes in depth and turbidity making it difficult to define the depth of the swimming area. In certain areas, there may also be water caltrops which can be painful when accidentally stepped on.

The Hossegor seawater lake is subject to the tides. Currents may form as the tide comes in and goes out. 

For these reasons, there are sometimes yellow warning flags at certain lakes.

If you have any questions

Landes lifeguards survey the designated swimming areas and ensure they are located in the safest places. They are trained to intervene quickly in the event of difficulty. Please do not hesitate to ask them any questions, whether at the lifeguards’ station or on the beach, to find out about the local conditions and to enjoy our magnificent Landes beaches to the full. 
During the Vis Ta Plage operation, they are also on hand to inform beachgoers about safety, specific dangers and how to protect the environment.