Enjoy the seaside safely

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, head to Seaton Carew where the Council’s beach lifeguards will be patrolling the main beach every day from 10am to 6pm throughout the school summer holiday period to Monday 1st September.

Whilst there are other places along the coast that are accessible such as Steetley Pier and the North Sands and Crimdon beaches, these areas are not safe to swim at and don’t have lifeguards on hand to keep watch.

Before you head to the seaside, check out the Royal Life Saving Society UK website at www.rlss.org.uk for lots of information about how to stay safe in and around water.

If you do see an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Don’t enter the water to try to rescue anyone.

The what3words app – which generates a code to accurately pinpoint your location – is a very useful app to have on your mobile phone if at any time you need to report your location to the emergency services if you are in difficulty or spot someone else in trouble. 

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “There’s nothing nicer than a summer day spent at the seaside.  If you are looking for somewhere to swim, head to Seaton Carew where our lifeguards will be on hand during the day.

“Places like Steetley Pier and the North Sands and Crimdon beaches can look tempting but the water conditions mean it’s not safe to swim there.

“In particular, the water around the pier may look calm but it’s particularly hazardous as there are very strong rip currents as well as sudden deep water and underground hazards.

“Please remember the tragic accident four years ago at Steetley Pier when a young man lost his life.

“I would also urge parents once again to please talk to their children about the dangers of swimming in open water and make sure they know where their children are at all times.”