The Coastguard at Millom are reminding members of the public that Red Flags flying on the coast are to warn that the Eskmeals Firing Range is undertaking activities, and that bylaws are in place forbidding access the beach or nearby nature reserve.
A spokesperson said:
"We would like to remind people that red flags on the beach are a danger warning sign, in this instance the red flags are there to indicate it is a firing range and firing is taking place. There are also bylaws in place for the area.
"During the incident yesterday, it was extremely worrying to see that members of the public had ignored the signs and flags and had walked along the beach, luckily the team carried out a sweep of the beach and asked the people to clear the area before any charges were set.
"Also it is very difficult for Range personnel to see people walking on the beach during firing operations."
Red Flags - there are 7 red flags located around the perimeter of the MOD Eskmeals Range. They mark the area which is subject to the Range byelaws. Some are visible from adjacent land areas.
Red flags flying indicates that the Range is ACTIVE and that the byelaws are in force. When the Range is active members of the public are not permitted to walk along the beach in front of the range. Red flags are always flown at full mast. There is a yellow flag at the entrance to the nature reserve at the North end of the Range, this indicates that the range is active and entrance to the nature reserve is strictly prohibited.
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