BEACH SAFETY GUIDE

When heading to the beach this summer we want you to have fun but keep safe. With a few precautions and a bit of planning you can ensure that you have a fun and safe day out at the seaside. 

Our Beach Safety Guide will help you and your family have an enjoyable beach holiday.

  1. Choose a beach where there is lifeguard cover.  A trained professional will give you peace of mind.  Check the local tourist information board or hotel, they should be able to give you this information.
  2. When you arrive at the beach read the sign giving you all the information about the beach you are visiting.  This usually includes safety information.
  3. Know your flags. Flags on beaches are universal. Click here for more information. 
  4. Understand the sea by familiarising yourself with rip currents, tides and understand cold water shock.
  5. Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything happens you have got someone there to help. 
  6. We advise that you leave your dinghies or lilos at home/pool. They are a well-known beach hazard especially in windy conditions.
  7. Make sure your children know where you and the lifeguards are.  Find a permanent landmark and make sure they know where you are relative to that landmark.  Alternatively make your seating area obvious and easy to locate with a flag.  If your child does get lost be sure they know to go to a Lifeguard who will help them. 
  8. If a child does go missing:
    • Calmly check your surroundings first, ensuring other children remain supervised
    • Contact the lifeguards or police and keep them informed
    • Let all searchers know once the child is found
  9. When in the sea if you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. 
  10. If you see someone else in trouble in the sea, tell a lifeguard.  
  11. Keep yourself, family and friends topped up with sunscreen every two hours, preferably SPF 30+ or higher.  Try and seek shade between the hottest times of the day, 11am and 3pm. Remember that skin can burn even on a cloudy day.
  12. Keep yourself, family and friends hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day. 

 

If you are thinking of taking up open water swimming click here to read our Open Water Safety Guide.

 

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