Latest news with #Wells
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Why do people get cut off by the tide at Wells-next-the-Sea?
A lifeboat service said it has rescued more people cut off by the tide in the past six months than it has in the past seven years. Last week it was called out after 40 people were cut off at two locations on the Norfolk coastline in the space of two hours. Why is the tide so dangerous and what can you do if you get stranded? With heatwaves arriving, the RNLI crew at Wells-next-the-Sea, in Norfolk, has seen hoards of people visit the beach early in the summer season. Despite signs and sirens at the beach, Mandy Humphreys, the water safety officer at Wells RNLI, said a lot of people have a lack of knowledge about the tides. Impact of a changing seabed Ms Humphreys said the contours of the seabed were "always changing" which leads to people being cut off by the tide, even if they have visited that beach before."This is a natural phenomenon. The seabed in this area is very sandy."Unfortunately, over the last couple of years a sandbar has been forming and gradually growing, which runs parallel to Wells beach. The drain that separates it from the rest of the beach is getting deeper." A sandbar is a submerged area of sand or sediment which is formed by waves and currents offshore from a one formed at Wells is said to have one steep side and the other having a shallow Humphreys said she has been involved in rescues where people did not realise they had been cut off. "The beach is very alluring. It's absolutely beautiful... there are a significant number of people that we rescue that don't understand the basics about tides." Tides and times vary Tide times and heights vary throughout the year and can be affected by a number of factors, including the spring equinox, which Ms Humphreys said brings bigger tides than people added that rising sea levels also have an impact and the RNLI can be called out all year round by people cut off by the tide.A tidal surge in March made a "big tide even bigger" and left three people stranded on an area of marshland north of Stiffkey were found "waist deep in water" in an area where the RNLI has not had to rescue people before. Even locals are vulnerable It is not just beachgoers who have found themselves in troubled waters. As the seabed and sand is ever changing, people living locally and those who have visited the beach on multiple occasions can never be sure of the conditions. As one of the hotspots where people become stranded, the RNLI was first alerted to the sandbar at the beach after a group of local residents became unknowingly her time with the RNLI Ms Humphreys has taken part in a simulation of what it is like to be stranded on a sandbar, and despite wearing a life jacket and having a crew near by she said she was left feeling "incredibly vulnerable".She added: "I've helped rescue people from that sandbar and being stood on that sandbar myself... I still felt quite vulnerable and the urge to wade back to safety is a very strong one, I really understand that now." Be aware of the dangers Ms Humphreys said people visiting the beach often have a lower perception of danger when on far this year 43 people have been rescued by the Wells crew after being stranded, with 34 of them at Wells beach."I've been on rescues where we have gone out... the water has been up to my thigh, and then sometimes if there are dogs or children that are frightened it takes some minutes to get them in, and then it [the water] is up to my waist."Having worked with Wells RNLI for the past seven years, Ms Humphreys said it can take crew members up to 10 minutes to get to an incident after being paged. One of the worst things is they do not always know the exact details of the incident they are going out to."The Stiffkey shout, where we had three shouts on Mothering Sunday, we knew they were up to their waists in water… as a crew member that puts the fear of God into me. Every second really does matter."That's real pressure. So we encourage people that if they are cut off, the earlier they can tell us, the longer we have to get there before they are up to their waists in water." What to do in an emergency If you are stranded at the beach, the RNLI urges people to call 999 for help and use what3words to help the service locate is advised people get back to dry sand at least four hours before high tide. Ms Humphreys said: "If they sit tight and wait for the lifeboat to get there, that's the safest thing to do."For Wells station in particular, we know from the description where they are." Even though people may want to wade through the water, the steep side of the sandbar means people can find themselves in deep water "quicker than expected". "It's not the people who call 999 that worry me so much, it's the people who wade back to safety themselves. We get reports of parents holding children above their heads and I worry that if someone loses their footing, you then have a youngster and an adult in the water." The RNLI's Float to Live campaign advises people that if they find themselves in difficulty they should tilt their head back in the water, try to breath normally, and move their arms and legs to help stay afloat. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Edmonton Journal
11 hours ago
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Alberta judge grants temporary injunction blocking a transgender health-care bill
Article content 'This isn't just a win for trans youth, it is a win for Canada's health-care system,' Wells wrote on social media. 'No politician should be dictating or restricting your access to evidence-based medical care.' Egale and the Skipping Stone Foundation aren't the only groups challenging the bill. Last month, the Canadian Medical Association and three Alberta-based doctors launched a legal case challenging the constitutionality of the bill, arguing it violates their Charter right to freedom of conscience. Alberta's other two pieces of transgender legislation _ banning transgender women from competing in womens sports and preventing youth under 16 from changing their name or pronouns in the school system without parental consent — have yet to be challenged in court. The education bill also requires parents to opt in for their children to receive lessons in school on sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity. — with files from Aaron Sousa
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
10 visionaries, 10 movies, one announcement: 'Mookuthi Amman 2' makers share a stunning update
In the 80s, a film was considered a big film if its budget was ₹25 lakh. But over time, that value has crossed the crores. Currently, there are corporate companies in Kollywood that produce films at a cost of over ₹500 crore. The fact that leading actors like Rajinikanth , Vijay, and Ajith are being paid ₹200 crores alone shows this change. As a result, it is now impossible for individual producers to make films with them. Therefore, in this situation, they only work with big production houses. One of the most important of these corporate production companies is the production house owned by Isari Ganesh, the makers of 'Mookuthi Amman 2.' Although he is from the academic field, he has a great passion for cinema. Following in his father's footsteps, he has also acted in some small roles in cinema. Today, many of the films he has produced have successfully run in theaters. The production house has bankrolled many films, including 'LKG,' 'Comali,' 'Ennai Noki Payum Thotta,' 'Mookuthi Amman,' 'Vendu Thaninatha Kadu,' 'Singapore Saloon,' and 'Sumo.' Currently, the film Mookuthi Amman 2, starring Nayanthara and directed by Sundar C , is also being produced by the company. Following this, it is big news that the production house has set up a plan to produce films worth around ₹1000 crore. To confirm future projects, the production house has announced 10 films with 10 directors, and the announcement was made official through an introduction video of 10 directors. Sundar C, Gautham Menon, Vetri Maaran , Mari Selvaraj, Prem Kumar, Jude Anthany, Arunraja Kamaraj , Vignesh Raja, Chella Ayyavu, and Ganesh K Babu are the directors who will be next directing the upcoming films bankrolled by 'Mookuthi Amman 2' makers. Plans have been made for films starring Dhanush, Arya, Rajinikanth, Ravi Mohan, and others. Also, talks are underway with Ajith. If it happens, there is a possibility that Wells will produce Ajith's next film, directed by Adhik Ravichandran. The company is planning to release announcements of the films it is producing one after the other, raising expectations.
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Queensland's 2032 Olympic vision in doubt as Minister flags venue and funding uncertainty
Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells has warned that Queensland cannot expect to control all decisions surrounding the 2032 Olympic Games, casting fresh doubt on the state's all-in hosting ambitions. Speaking in Brisbane on Thursday, Ms Wells warned that while the state government remains committed to a 'Queensland Games,' ultimate decisions around venue locations could rest with international sporting bodies - not local politicians. 'Obviously, the Queensland Government has indicated their strong preference that all events be contested within the state,' Ms Wells said while speaking in Brisbane alongside state Sports Minister Tim Mander. 'But it isn't just up to Tim (Mander), or I, or even Brisbane 2032 (Organising Committee), it is also very much a question for the International Federations to advise us on what they will accept.' The federal minister's comments follow speculation some events may be moved interstate - with rowing potentially headed to Penrith and tennis to Melbourne - echoing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's earlier remarks casting doubt on the state's all-in hosting plan. Ms Wells referenced historical precedents, including Sydney 2000 and Paris 2024, to reinforce the possibility of interstate or international venues being considered. 'I don't think anyone would challenge my passion for being a Queenslander, but as the Australian Sports Minister, I am elected and charged with the responsibility of making sure that all Australian taxpayers feel … that they have a place in the Brisbane 2032 Games,' she added. The contentious Rockhampton rowing venue remains a sticking point and despite ongoing concerns about its suitability, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie is standing firm. 'Rowing will absolutely be in Rockhampton on the mighty Fitzroy River,' he declared. 'And as I've said for many occasions now, including to the IOC, I might add, if it is okay for a teenager from Rocky to row the mighty Fitzroy River on the weekend, so too, is it okay for Pierre from Paris.' While discussions continue between Brisbane 2032, World Rowing, and the International Canoe Federation - including a potential technical visit to Rockhampton - no final decision has been made. In a linked development, Queensland has passed legislation designed to speed up the delivery of Games-related infrastructure by exempting Olympic venues from significant state and local planning laws. The new laws give final planning approval powers to the state, effectively sidelining local councils and bypassing 15 regulatory frameworks, including environmental and heritage protections. 'You're going to see a lot of work in a very short period of time, there'll be excavators, there'll be tractors, there'll be bulldozers, there'll be yellow vests,' Mr Bleijie said. 'There'll be shovels being turned across the state.' But the changes have drawn sharp criticism from community groups, particularly those opposing development in Brisbane's Victoria Park - the planned site of a new 63,000-seat Olympic stadium. "We were expecting it, but we're still incredibly disappointed, but we're not deterred. We'll continue to fight this no matter what gets thrown at us," said Andrea Lunt from Save Victoria Park back in May. "The park is too important to lose; it's such a precious natural asset to Brisbane. 'If you're thinking about showcasing Brisbane for the Olympic Games, you'd think we'd protect and enhance such a beautiful natural asset, not cover it up for stadiums." The legislation, officially titled the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, also includes reforms to renewable energy project approvals. It mandates public consultation and binding community benefit agreements for large-scale wind and solar developments. Mr Bleijie insists the changes are necessary to meet tight construction deadlines and leave a meaningful post-Games legacy. 'This is about making sure that housing is delivered, the roads are upgraded, temporary accommodation for workers is put in place, schools, housing,' he said. Amid debate over venue locations and legal planning exemptions, the long-awaited funding deal between the state and Commonwealth governments remains unresolved - although officials on both sides insist it's imminent. The previous Labor-led plan for a $2.5 billion indoor arena in Brisbane's CBD was scrapped by the LNP government in favour of a privately funded facility at Woolloongabba. The decision has forced a fresh round of negotiations over how the federal government's $3.4 billion Olympic contribution will be spent. "We expect to have news on that front for you very soon. We understand that people want to see us get on with this," said Ms Wells. 'These aren't just venues that are relevant to a four-week period in 2032, these are venues people want to get their value out of as quickly as possible.' Mr Mander echoed that optimism, saying, 'I'm very confident that an agreement will be made shortly, and the discussions are very positive and very constructive.' The state's Olympic ministers also confirmed ongoing discussions with Athletics Australia, football and gymnastics officials over their venue needs, with legacy infrastructure still a key promise. 'I'm very confident we'll have legacy infrastructure for all those sports,' Mr Mander said. He also reiterated that the total infrastructure cost would not exceed previously announced limits. 'I can guarantee you that there'll be legacy in those sports,' he said. 'Queenslanders won't be paying more than $7.1 billion between the state and federal governments.'
Courier-Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Sport Minister's grim 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games warning
Don't miss out on the headlines from Brisbane Olympics 2032. Followed categories will be added to My News. Queensland cannot be guaranteed all 2032 Games events will be held in the Sunshine State despite the desire of the state government and event organisers, the Federal Sports Minister has warned. The Crisafulli government has vocally touted 2032 as the Queensland games despite ongoing concerns Rockhampton's Fitzroy River will not be approved as a Games venue. Brisbane 2032 are in discussions with World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation regarding a technical visit to Rockhampton in the coming months. Anika Wells, speaking in Brisbane alongside state Sports Minister Tim Mander on Thursday, warned decisions about Games venues could ultimately be made outside of governments. 'Obviously, the Queensland Government has indicated their strong preference that all events be contested within the state,' she said. 'But it isn't just up to Tim (Mander), or I, or even Brisbane 2032 (Organising Committee), it is also very much a question for the International Federations to advise us on what they will accept.' Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells. Ms Wells said there was precedent for events to be held outside host cities and regions after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier this month cast doubt over the 2032 venue plan by suggesting Melbourne could still host tennis and rowing be relocated to Penrith. For Sydney 2000, soccer matches were held at the Gabba and the MCG, while for Paris 2024, surfing was held in Tahiti. Ms Wells said value for money must be considered. 'I don't think anyone would challenge my passion for being a Queenslander, but as the Australian Sports Minister, I am elected and charged with the responsibility of making sure that all Australian taxpayers feel … that they have a place in the Brisbane 2032 Games., ' she said. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie reaffirmed the state government's promise to hold rowing on the Fitzroy River. 'Rowing will absolutely be in Rockhampton on the mighty Fitzroy River,' he said. 'And as I've said for many occasions now, including to the IOC, I might add, if it is okay for a teenager from Rocky to row the mighty Fitzroy River on the weekend, so too, is it okay for Pierre from Paris.' Mr Bleijie remained confident that all regional competition venues would remain as set out in the 2032 delivery plan. An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Source: Queensland Government. Mr Mander and Ms Wells said discussions over a new 2032 intergovernmental agreement, including the use of $2.5bn previously allocated to the Brisbane Arena, would be finalised 'soon'. 'We understand that people want to see us get on with this,' Ms Wells said. 'We understand that people want to see work advance as quickly as possible.' Mr Mander said conversations were also ongoing with Athletics Australia, soccer and gymnastics officials whose sports were not given permanent new venues in the 2032 Delivery Plan. 'I'm very confident we'll have legacy infrastructure for all those sports,' he said. 'I'm just asking people to be just a little bit more patient as we work through this. 'There's a lot of decisions to be made, but I can guarantee you that there'll be legacy in those sports.' Mr Mander said he guaranteed Queenslanders 'won't be paying more than $7.1 billion' between the state and federal governments for 2032 infrastructure.
