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Beach Safety

Beach Safety

Nothing beats a day messing around on a beach but accidents can happen. Just the smallest increase in awareness would avoid the majority of these accidents, so take a few moments to read through the following, most of which you will probably know already.

Lifeguards

Some of our most popular beaches have seasonal lifeguard cover.

Safety flags

Make sure you keep an eye on the flags - red and yellow mark the boundaries of safe bathing areas. Red indicates dangerous conditions. The black and white quartered flag indicates a surfboard and craft zone. Look out for the markers.

Tides

Don't get cut off by the tide - check the tide times or purchase the pocket sized booklet available from local tourist information centre, post office or newsagent.

Inflatables

Small children in inflatables can be quickly blown out to sea by off-shore breezes. Keep hold of a safety line on all inflatables in use by children.

Sunbathing

Excessive sunbathing always raises the chance of skin cancer no matter who you are. Sunscreen is a popular and sensible way to enjoy the sun safely. Use factor 15 or above, higher if you have pale, easily burned skin. Make sure children especially are well protected.

Lost children

Getting lost on a beach is almost a rite of passage for any child, but it is none the less frightening for child and parents alike. Teach your children how to spot your location, fly a flag or mark your position in some other way. If in doubt - accompany the child to the sea and back.

Don't get into a hole

Digging holes in the sand is fun, but don't let your child dig deeper than half his or her height. Sand is very heavy, especially when wet, and a collapsing hole can easily trap a child.