On The Beach.....
With summer fast approaching and the weather getting better, soon temperatures will increase which will mean many will spend time on the beach or in the water having fun. But, it’s vital to stay safe and know the risks and what to do if something happens.
Being aware of the potential dangers can prevent you from getting into trouble in the first place.
In this article let’s have a look at arriving at the beach and what to look for.
1. Always choose a lifeguarded beach.
Choosing a lifeguarded beach gives you and your family the protection of highly trained RNLI Lifeguards. They can see the dangers develop, prevent accidents before they happen and respond instantly if anyone gets into difficulty. If they are telling you to do something it’s for your safety, so always listen and respect what they are telling you.
RNLI lifeguards patrol over 240 beaches across the UK so you have lots of option. But remember, not all beaches have Lifeguards, and they are not all year round.
2. Flags.
When you’ve chosen your lifeguarded beach it’s now important to understand any signs put out which will have important safety information as well as flags on the beach to show you where it’s safe to enter the water for swimmers and the designated area for surfers.
If you are still not sure never take the risk, always ask the lifeguards on the beach or in the lifeguard huts, they will be more than happy to assist you.
Red and yellow beach flag
Lifeguard patrolled swimming and body boarding zone. This flag also indicates lifeguard on duty.
This shows the lifeguarded area and is the safest place to swim and bodyboard.
Black and white chequered beach flag
Surfboard and other watercraft zone or zone boundary.
For surfboards, stand up paddleboards, kayaks and other non-powered craft. Never swim or bodyboard here!
Red beach flag
Dangerous conditions: do not enter the water.
Severe hazard, water conditions are unsafe for swimming and other water activities, people should not enter the water whenever they see this flag. You are putting yourself and others in danger by not adhering to these warning markers.
Orange Windsock
Danger! No inflatables to be used on the water.
Indicates offshore or strong wind conditions. Never use inflatables when the windsock is flying. Even if the windsock is not present and it’s windy it doesn’t take much for someone to be swept out to sea on an inflatable.
Signs
When you visit a beach, most landowners provide safety signage with important information. This includes important safety information about hazards specific to the area. It’s really important to read these as they are specific to the beach.
Hazard Sign
This yellow triangle is used to warn you of hazards or dangers in the area that may cause harm. The triangle will have different symbols inside it depending on what the hazard is.
The below image states five yellow triangles and as you can see this beach is not safe to swim at any time! Even if it’s a flat calm day NEVER take the risk, if the sign tells you not to swim then don’t.
Several lives have been lost over the years at this particular spot in Cornwall. The signs are there for a reason.
Red and white prohibition sign
A prohibition sign is used to tell you that an activity is forbidden, for your safety. There may be different symbols inside it depending on what activity is forbidden – for example, swimming, surfing or fishing.
The Loe Bar sign above has a forbidden swimming symbol.
No Lifeguards Sign
A lifeguard off duty sign means that there is currently no lifeguard service at this beach. You should exercise caution and follow all safety advice to protect you and your family.
🛟 Remember, everyone wants to have fun at the beach but if you do find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, seek help from the Lifeguards on the beach, or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard 📟