safety at seaside

The sea and beaches

RIP TIDES
This can be caused when two currents come together and meet at the beach and the rip tide will be a channel of fast flowing water out to sea.
One sign could be sand being carried out to sea as if it was a river.
The best advice would be to swim with the current rather than try and fight it then wait for the current speed and strength to reduce and swim away from the centre and back to safety. Often trying to fight the current causes panic and fatigue to happen very quickly.

Tides and waves

Keep an eye on tides. Always check the tide before you enter the water. If you are not sure, check with a lifeguard.
Be careful not to get cut off by the tide when walking along the shore.
Always ensure your children are not in danger from the tide when playing on the beach.
Never think it is safe to wave dodge. The sea is unpredictable and what looks like fun could end in tragedy with large waves taking you out to sea.
Spilling waves are the safest to swim in. They appear when the top of the wave tumbles down the front.
Dumping waves break with great force in shallow water. These are dangerous waves that usually occur during low tide. Avoid the sea when you see dumping waves.

weather

always watch for the weather before going it can get dangerous and cold quickly!

Tombstoning from peirs or rocks

Don’t jump in from height

Tombstoning is an activity which has occurred around the coast for generations, unfortunately over recent years it has gained attention for the wrong reasons, with a number of people killed or seriously injured. The title was adopted because of the way a person falls and plunges into deep water, in a similar way a stone would. This page offers some essential advice for those considering tombstoning and further resources for those wanting more information.

Why is it dangerous?

Tombstoning offers a high-risk, high-impact experience but it can have severe and life-threatening consequences. This is because:

Water depths alter with the tide – the water may be shallower than it seems
Submerged objects like rocks may not be visible – these can cause serious impact injuries and death!
The shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim
Getting out of the water is often more difficult than people realise
Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away
It encourages less capable people to follow

Bodyboarding

When buying a bodyboard, always purchase a leash and flippers.
Always use your board on a life guarded beach and board in between the red and yellow flags.
If you get into trouble, never abandon your board - it will keep you afloat. Wave your hand and shout for help.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES
swim parallel to the beach
dont go out to far it easy to be carried out

Surfing

Wherever possible, always surf at a lifeguarded beach and follow the advice of the lifeguards,
Novices should only ever surf between the black and white flags.
Ask a lifeguard for advice on where to surf.
Always have a lesson at an approved BSA or ISA school.
Always wear your leash.
If you get into trouble never abandon your board - it will keep you afloat. Wave your hand and shout for help.
Never surf alone.
Never surf between the red and yellow flags.
Never drop in on another surfer.

Inflatables

Inflatable toys are great fun in pools, but we strongly advise against using them in the sea, as there is a high chance of being swept out.
Always use inflatables on a lifeguarded beach, in between the red and yellow flags.
Never use an inflatable when the orange windsock is flying - this indicates an offshore wind, that could carry you out to sea.
Never use an inflatable in choppy sea conditions.
Children's inflatables should always be secured with a line, held securely by an adult
keep it parall to the beach dont go out to far
wear a boyancy aid

LOOK FOR THE FLAGS AND SWIM WHERE ITS LIFEGUARDED

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES THEY GO MISSING EAISLY ON A CROWDED BEACH!

HAVE FUN BE SAFE!