Stay safe at the seaside

Published Friday, 17th July 2020

Thank you to residents and visitors for continuing to use Hartlepool’s beaches as safely as possible.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s beach lifeguards will again be patrolling the beach at Seaton Carew and the Headland Fish Sands throughout the school summer holiday period – they will be on duty every day from today until 1st September.

Seaside

Over the summer holidays more people will be heading to the beach and the lifeguards are asking people to please follow these simple but important tips so they enjoy a safe and happy day out:

  • Remember your social distancing - keep your distance from people not in your household (two metres apart wherever possible).
  • Follow any safety advice which the lifeguards give and take note of any beach safety signs.
  • Swim where the lifeguards patrol – within the areas marked by the red and yellow marker flags.
  • Never go into the water when the red flags are flying – it means it’s not safe to do so.
  • Be aware of incoming tides.
  • Never leave children unattended.
  • Don’t use inflatables in the sea – the tides, currents and wind can easily carry you far away from the shore.
  • Waves are very powerful – avoid piers, slipways and promenades when the sea conditions are rough.
  • Think before you dive – be especially careful when diving at any time and on no account dive into water with which you are not familiar – there may be hidden dangers such as rocks, currents or insufficient depth.
  • Never swim on your own – you should have someone on hand in case you get into any difficulties.
  • If you see someone in difficulty in the sea, don’t enter the water – summon a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
  • Remember that the sun can burn your skin – dress appropriately and use sun cream.
  • Keep the beaches clean – dispose of all your rubbish properly, especially glass bottles, cans and other sharp objects.

Debbie Kershaw, the Council’s Quality and Safety Officer, who oversees the beaches and lifeguards, said: “Help us to help you have a fun day out. Please remember your social distancing at all times and follow our other simple rules to stay safe at the seaside.”

* On a separate lifesaving note, the Resuscitation Council UK has issued some advice for people performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an out-of-hospital setting during the current COVID-19 situation. For full details visit www.resus.org.uk/covid-19-resources