As families and visitors prepare to enjoy Hartlepool's coastline during the summer holidays, Hartlepool Borough Council is once again urging everyone to put water safety first.
We continue to hold in our thoughts the families and loved ones of Ian Pascoe and Wayne Taylor, and everyone affected by the tragic incident at Seaton Carew on Sunday 12 July.
The incident is a reminder that the sea can be dangerous, even on days when conditions appear calm. As more people visit the coast during the summer holidays, we are asking everyone to take care and follow simple water safety advice.
This Saturday marks the planned start of the Council's summer beach season, with lifeguards returning to duty at Seaton Carew every day from 10am to 6pm until Sunday 6 September.
If you are going to swim, do so at Seaton Carew when the lifeguards are on duty, listen to their advice, follow the flag system and never take risks in the water.
Seaton Carew is the only lifeguarded beach in Hartlepool and therefore the only designated beach we advise for bathing.
Only enter the water in the lifeguarded area, which is clearly marked out between the red and yellow flags.
Our lifeguards are there to help keep people safe and provide advice about local conditions and hazards.
If you see our lifeguards while you're visiting the beach, please stop and say hello. They are always happy to share advice about staying safe in and around the water.
If you've spotted anything that could pose a risk to others, such as hazards, damaged equipment or anything unusual along the beach, please let them know.
By working together and looking out for one another, we can all help keep our coastline safe.
The Council is also reminding people not to swim at Steetley Pier, North Sands or Crimdon Beach. These areas are extremely dangerous due to strong currents, deep water and underwater hazards. The sea may look calm, but conditions can change quickly.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) warns that open water can remain dangerously cold, even during warm weather. Cold water shock can affect anyone, including experienced swimmers.
Councillor Graham Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of Ian Pascoe and Wayne Taylor, and everyone affected by the tragic events at Seaton Carew. As a community, we share in their grief and loss.
"We want people to enjoy Hartlepool's beautiful coastline this summer, but we also want to highlight the importance of water safety as we head into the school holidays.
“If you are going to swim, please do so at Seaton Carew when the lifeguards are on duty, listen to their advice, follow the flag system and please never take risks in the water.
"Our lifeguards are a friendly and familiar presence on the beach throughout the summer holidays. If you see them, stop for a chat, ask for advice or let them know about any concerns or hazards you've spotted. They are there to help everyone enjoy our coastline safely.
"By looking out for one another and following basic water safety advice, we can all help to prevent further tragedies."
Staying safe this summer
- Only swim at Seaton Carew, where lifeguards are on duty from 10am to 6pm every day.
- Only swim in the lifeguarded area, which is marked out between the red and yellow flags.
- Always follow the advice of the lifeguards.
- Never swim at Steetley Pier, North Sands or Crimdon Beach.
- Keep children within sight and under close supervision.
- Do not use inflatables in the sea.
- Never enter the water to rescue someone. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- If someone is in trouble in the water, encourage them to float on their back, tilting their head back with their ears in the water.
- The free what3words app can also help emergency services locate people quickly and accurately if assistance is required.
If you get into difficulty yourself, follow the RNLI’s Float to Live advice:
- Tilt your head back with your ears in the water.
- Relax and control your breathing.
- Move your arms and legs gently.
- Stay calm until you can call for help or reach safety.
Hartlepool's coastline is one of the borough’s greatest assets, and we want everyone to enjoy it safely throughout the summer holidays. By looking out for one another, following the advice of our lifeguards and respecting the power of the sea, we can all play our part in helping to prevent further tragedy.
Look out for one another. Follow the advice of our lifeguards. Respect the water.
Stay safe and enjoy a safe summer by the coast.