Walkers are asked not to attempt the Isle of Wight's traditional low-tide walk to St Helen's seafort, from the beaches of Bembridge and St Helen's.

It follows advice from the Isle of Wight Safety Advisory Group, the Director of Public Health and other local organisations.

The unofficial event last took place on the weekend of the August 3-4 2019.

An estimated 4,500 people took park - doubling the numbers from 2018.

In previous years, Bembridge RNLI volunteers have had to rescue people caught out by the rising tides and uneven ground.

This year, an additional concern is the need for social distancing to prevent spread of coronavirus.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Images by Sienna Anderson

Controls on parking and access at Duver Road, St Helens and nearby roads will be in place to ensure access for residents and emergency vehicles.

Isle of Wight Safety Advisory Group is made up of representatives from the emergency services, the NHS, the Isle of Wight Council and other agencies.

"Please do not put yourselves, volunteers and key workers at risk"

A spokesman for the group said "The fort walk is an informal event with no organiser that usually takes place over one or more suitable tides in the summer.

"This year, for safety, we urge the fort walkers not to make the trip.

"Please do not put yourselves, volunteers and key workers at risk when we are already stretched by the coronavirus crisis.

"The only way to get to the fort is to cross a very narrow strip of shingle, and it would be impossible to do this safely except in very small numbers.

"Climbing around the fort itself would also be difficult while staying safe, and the shore and parking areas can become crowded.

"Given the thousands of people who now regularly turn up to this event, our clear advice to them is please, stay away this year, and enjoy one of the many safer beaches on the Island instead."

Guy Addington, Regional Water Safety Lead for the RNLI, said: RNLI volunteers have to launch lifeboats regularly to rescue those in trouble in the water at the fort walk.

"We don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun, but we very much want everyone to make it home safely after a day at the beach, and there are serious risks associated with this event.

“The Isle of Wight has so many beautiful beaches and walks which you can visit safely. Please enjoy a day out at one of these locations instead.“