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Cremation
Scattering Cremation Ashes At Sea
16
Nov
Nov
There are various options for organizing a meaningful send-off. For some, going to the beach or going sailing was a big part of their lives, so dropping their ashes at sea would be a beautiful way to honor their memory. People may now conduct ashes scattering rituals to commemorate the life of a loved one who had a deep connection to the seas, thanks to cremation funerals. The water may help you say goodbye to someone you care about in a meaningful way. Many people have heard about sprinkling ashes into bodies of water, but are confused about how to go about doing so. This article will provide you with all of the information you require.
Laws & Regulations
When compared to marine burials, the rules and restrictions for spreading ashes at sea are fairly lax. Except for obtaining permission before scattering cremated ashes on a privately owned stretch of water, there are no legal restrictions. Spreading ashes on tidal coastal waters or on a beach does not require a license. If you’re within 5 miles of the shore, though, you’ll have to follow a few Environmental Agency requirements. Consider the following example:
- While ashes do not have an effect on the water quality, do not disperse any non-biodegradable things. Wreaths and personal objects, for example, may contain plastic or metal pieces that damage wildlife or trash.
- Disperse the ashes at a location away from structures and where people may swim or fish.
- Spread the ashes as close as possible to the water’s surface. Also, avoid blowing ashes about on windy days so they don’t harm anyone living or working nearby.
Your undertaker or church group leader should be able to help you get the information you need. However, if you have any doubts regarding a particular location, you should contact your local Environmental Agency.
What is the Best Way to Scatter Ashes at Sea?
There are a few things to think about when deciding to scatter ashes at sea. For starters, you have the option of doing it from a boat or from the beach.
The following are some of the advantages of scattering ashes from a boat:
- Total privacy.
- You’ll be able to go to more inaccessible locations.
- Because you are completely surrounded by water, it may feel more special.
- The ashes are easy to place and distribute.
Scattering from the beach offers its own set of advantages, including:
- There will be no further fees.
- There’s no risk of becoming seasick.
- You have complete control over the ceremony’s timings and duration.
- The weather will be less of a hindrance to a great send-off.
You can pitch the cremated ashes into the wind while at sea, as long as you keep the wind’s direction in mind. The debris might sometimes blow back into your face or splash up on the side of the boat. This can be upsetting, not to mention not the ideal send-off you had in mind. Fortunately, there are water urns that are made to float away softly, making the process much easier. There are a few possible mistakes when releasing ashes into the sea; however, with a little forethought and the following recommendations, the process can go more successfully.
- Know the laws in your area (as outlined above)
- Use only biodegradable materials.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Stay upwind to keep the ashes away from you and your visitors.
- Because many individuals are unaware of how cremated remains can adhere to the skin, have wipes or water on hand to keep the ashes contained.
- Summer months are often quieter, making them excellent for individuals who are prone to seasickness.
- Don’t be afraid to seek assistance.
Is it legal to scatter ashes on a beach?
Yes. It is permissible to scatter ashes on a beach. Read on for some suggestions and pointers on how to make the ceremony run well.
How to Scatter on a Beach
Trenching can be used to spread ashes on the seashore. This mostly entails digging a shallow trench in the sand (maybe in the shape of a heart, the dead’s name, a message for the departed, a circle, or any other design of your choice) and then scattering the ashes into it. The trench should be dug near enough to the sea/ocean so that the water may carry the cremains away gradually — keep an eye out for the tide line. To prevent vacationers and dog walkers, this technique must be done at the right time.
The tidal schedule also allows you to time the ceremony such that it takes place when the tide is out. Friends and family members of the dead can watch as the waves recede from the shore, washing over the sand and carrying the ashes with it.
Is it possible to scatter ashes in a river?
Scattering cremated ashes in rivers, canals, and lakes are similar to scattering them at sea. If you have access to a boat, you can do it yourself; if not, there are a variety of boat businesses that operate around the UK that can assist you. If you prefer to scatter the ashes along the water’s edge, such as along a riverbank, be sure the ground isn’t slick to avoid mishaps.
Other things to think about are:
- Avoid scattering ashes on windy days so they don’t harm anyone working or living nearby.
- You should pick a location that is at least a kilometer upstream of any water extraction station. If you have any questions concerning a specific site, contact your local Environment Agency office.
- The location should be away from any structures or areas where people bathe, fish, or use marinas.
Urns for Scattering Cremation Ashes at Sea
Urns are containers that contain the ashes. Some individuals just dump the ashes into the water, which does not necessitate the use of an urn. You can also utilize the crematorium’s temporary container if you choose. If you wish to release the entire urn into the sea, however, you should use a biodegradable urn. In such cases, an urn that can float for a while before gently submerging into the sea is ideal, allowing you ample time to contemplate and say your final farewell. There are a variety of biodegradable urns available for scattering at sea.
Scattering at Sea Ceremony Ideas
One of the advantages of cremation and ashes scattering that you don’t get with traditional funerals is that it gives you more time to consider how you might communicate how much your loved one meant to you. For some, water represents a return to nature, a spiritual cleansing, or the natural flow of life. The scattering at sea ritual has no specific restrictions.
However, here are a few suggestions:
- Only inviting friends and relatives to the ceremony
- Having a ceremony with a theme. This might include honoring the deceased’s heritage or designing the service according to the family’s preferences. You might, for example, celebrate life by dancing and listening to music.
- Prepare for a well-attended service. This provides a chance for the mourners to convey their personal feelings about the departed and their experiences with him or her.
- Friends and family members will frequently throw flowers into the river and watch them drift away with the ashes.
- Friends and family members can say their final goodbyes as the ashes flow away.
Poems, quotations, and readings that are popular
FAQ
Despite the fact that there are no legal criteria for dispersing at sea, the following are some often asked questions:
Is it necessary for me/us to accompany the ashes to the scattering location?
Many families wish to be there at the final resting site and participate in the ceremony, although this is completely optional.
What is the duration of the ashes scattering at sea journey?
Trips are tailored to your specific requirements and desires.
How can I/we determine the exact site of dispersal?
Please inquire about the exact longitude and latitude coordinates of the specific place of dispersal with the skipper of the boat before executing the ceremony.
Is the cruise suitable for people of all ages?
Yes.
What is the procedure for dispersing unattended?
The ashes will be taken by the boat crew, who will spread them as directed. If you’d like, a video may be arranged.
Is it okay if I save some of the ashes?
Yes. Many families prefer to preserve a small quantity of ashes for jewelry or to bury them in a memento urn.
Hopefully, these recommendations will assist you in planning the ideal send-off for your loved one. Remember that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Scattering at sea opens us to a world of alternatives, from urns to scattering techniques to ceremonial ideas. The ceremony is all about expressing your final goodbyes and making a lasting memory of releasing someone you care about. As a result, do it in a way that proves it.