Seaside Safety

Before heading into the sea, make sure you know how to keep safe when in the water:

Know your flags

• Only swim between the red and yellow flags when the lifeguards are on duty.
• Do not swim when the red flag is flying or when requested not to do so by lifeguards or coastguards.
• When the black and white chequered glag is flying, this means an area of water has been marked for watercraft. For your own safety, do not swim in these zones.
• The orange windsock flying shows that the wind conditions are especially dangerous. Think before entering the water and do not attempt to take an inflatable out into the sea.

Swimming

• Swim where the lifeguards patrol.
• Swim within your capabilities and always parallel to the beach.
• Waves are very powerful – avoid piers, slipways and promenades when the sea conditions are rough.
• Do not swim within a short period after eating a meal.
• Swim with others – never alone.
• Swim only where it is safe to do so - avoiding rocks and breakwaters or other man-made structures.
• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Beware when diving into the sea as water depth can change and the water may cover objects.

Rip/strong currents

If you are caught in a rip/strong current, remember the three R's:

• Relax: try to stay calm and afloat, do no swim against the current, swim across it
• Raise: raise an arm to signal for help
• Rescue: float and wait for assistance and try not to panic 

Inflatables

Do not use inflatable rings or other inflatable toys in the sea, they are best left for the swimming pool as the tides can be very unpredictable and with an offshore wind, inflatables can quickly be carried out to sea.

In an emergency 

If you see someone in difficulty in the sea:

• Don't enter the water. 
• Summon a lifeguard or call 999 if a lifeguard can't be found.
• Get information about where you are – use landmarks or describe what you can see.
• Encourage the person to float or swim on their back.