Beach Safety

Take care and stay safe on the beach

ALWAYS

  • Read information notices
  • Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches
  • Leave the water if you feel tired or unwell

NEVER

  • Swim alone
  • Swim directly after eating a meal
  • Swim after drinking alcohol
  • Swim when a red flag is flying
  • Leave children unsupervised
  • Put yourself in danger of being cut off by the tide
  • Sit under cliffs

If you get into difficulties in the sea

  • Remain calm
  • Do not tire yourself
  • Attract attention by shouting for help and waving one arm
  • Swim diagonally across the current

If you see someone in difficulties in the sea

  • Contact a Lifeguard or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard
  • Follow any instructions given by a Lifeguard or the Coastguard
  • Use any available rescue equipment
  • Only enter the water if you are a good swimmer and are confident you will not put yourself in danger

My Coast App

Check out the My Coast app to choose a suitable beach.

Surf Check

Make sure you choose the correct conditions for your skill level.

RNLI

Use the RNLI's water safety guidance to gain further knowledge on how to stay safe in the sea.

Surfers Against Sewage

This map is built from SAS's free Safer Seas & Rivers Service (SSRS) app, which tracks real-time sewage discharge and pollution risks around the UK.

South West Water

You can use South West Water's WaterFit Live to track bathing quality and overflow reports live.

Protect yourself in the sun

  • SLIP on a t-shirt
  • SLOP on sunscreen
  • SLAP on a hat
  • SEEK shade