Water Safety
1: Spot any dangers by checking out the beach when you arrive. Be aware of physical hazards such as rocks, piers, groynes and breakwaters.
2: Look for undertow currents and dangerous rip currents. If you're unsure, ask the Lifeguard.
3: Don't swim alone, it's safer with a friend, and try to make sure there are other people around - You never know when help might be needed.
4: Take safety advice, and aim to swim where there is a Lifeguard on patrol - Look for zoned swimming areas, marked by Red and Yellow flags.
5: Look out for safety information, warning signs and flags.
Red and Yellow Flags - Lifeguards on patrol. Two flags at the waters edge denote where the patrolled bathing area is.
Red - Dangerous to bathe or swim and you should not go into the water.
Quartered black and white flag - shows that an area is zoned off for watersport activities, swimmers and bathers should avoid this area, it is not safe for them.
Go together:
Children should always go with an adult, not by themselves. Don’t swim alone. Make sure that you know where everyone in your group is. Constant supervision is the only real means of ensuring your child’s safety.
Learn how to help
Know what to do if you see someone in difficulty in the water. Shout for help and tell a lifeguard if there is one. Go to the nearest phone and call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Do not enter the water to rescue anyone.
Lifebelts
All beaches have public lifesaving appliances, placed regularly along either the promenades or on the beach itself. All are red and white with a throwable life-ring (see the picture below) and rope housed inside the case. In case of emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. If you note that the housing or the equipment has been vandalised, please contact Street Scene Services using the details at the top of this page.
Further Information
Click here to visit the Maritime and Coastguard Agency "Sea Smart" website. This website also includes interactive features for children to increase their awareness of potential beach hazards.
