Council issues warning about swimming danger areas

The warning comes after reports of youngsters swimming off Steetley Pier – an area of coastline where last year 14-year-old Matthew Sherrington lost his life in a tragic accident.

Gemma Ptak, the Council’s Assistant Director (Preventative and Community-Based Services), said: “Whilst beaches can be great for a day out, the water can be dangerous and unpredictable.

“We would strongly advise people not to swim off Steetley Pier and the North Sands and Crimdon beaches – it is not safe to do so.

“Steetley in particular is an area where the conditions may appear calm but the beach has a 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 rip currents and to stay safe is to choose one of our lifeguarded beaches and to always swim within the areas marked by the red and yellow marker flags. These show that the lifeguards are on duty and indicate where it is safe to swim based on the sea conditions for that day.

“Given the recent worrying reports of youngsters swimming off Steetley Pier, I would also strongly urge parents to ensure that they know where their children are at all times.”

Hartlepool Borough Council’s beach lifeguards will be patrolling the beach at Seaton Carew throughout the school summer holiday period and will be on duty every day from Saturday 23rd July to Sunday 4th September from 10am to 6pm. There will be a limited lifeguard service at the Block Sands. When the red and yellow flags are flying the lifeguards are present.  

People should always take great care by the sea and follow the following important safety tips:

• 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, which indicate where it is safe to swim based on the sea conditions for that day.
• Never go into the water when the red flags are flying – it means it’s not safe to do so.
• Beware of rip currents – strong currents running out to sea which can take swimmers out of their depth very easily.
• Be aware of incoming tides – the sea can come in very quickly and cut you off.
• 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 very careful when diving at any time and never 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 difficulty.
• Keep a close eye on your friends and family on the beach and in the water.
• If you get into difficulty, float on your back, wait until you are calm then raise your arm and shout for help.
• 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.