Residents reminded of beach safety

Published Wednesday, 7th July 2021

As the summer season continues and with lockdown restrictions set to be eased, residents and visitors are being urged to take care near the water when visiting Hartlepool’s beaches.

Whilst beaches and the seaside can be great for a day out, they can also be dangerous and unpredictable. With this in mind, Hartlepool Borough Council is urging people who are planning a trip to the beach to check if it safe for them to visit.

Councillor Tim Fleming, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Chair of Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said:  “As more people are visiting our beaches it’s important we remind and educate them about the potential dangers”.

“For example, it’s great we are seeing more people visit Steetley beach but sadly with that we have also seen an increase in the number of serious incidents over the last month”.

“Steetley is a beach which we would not recommend for anyone to swim at.  The sea conditions may appear calm but the beach has number of hazards that are not visible. The water around the pier is a particular hazard as there are channels that cause very strong rip currents as well as sudden deep water and underground hazards”.

“The best way to avoid rips and keep safe is to choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been marked based on where is safer to swim based on the sea conditions for that day”.

“We are placing signs in the area and educating local residents about safety around visiting the beach. It’s the first step to ensure our residents and visitors stay safe this summer”.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s beach lifeguards will be operational from 10am – 6pm from July 16th until September 6th at Seaton Carew and the Headland, Fish Sands and Block Sands.

RNLI safety advice for anyone visiting a beach is:

  • Have a plan – check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage.
  • Keep a close eye on your friends and family on the beach and in the water
  • Don’t allow friends or family to swim alone
  • Don’t use inflatables
  • If you fall into the water unexpectedly – FLOAT TO LIVE
  • Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extent your arms and legs and float
  • In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Further information can be found at Beach Safety – Advice And Tips To Keep You Safe At The Beach (rnli.org)