Beach Safety

Have a read through of the 'Ten top tips for a safe summer at the seaside' and the RNLI beach safety - 'Know your flags', this information will help you have the safest day possible whilst on the beach and should help you to relax."

If you’re heading to the beach this summer, spare a thought for safety. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging anyone planning a trip to the beach and, particularly, anyone thinking of going into the water, to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim in the area between the red and yellow flags.

Stay safe

Around two-thirds of people in the UK go to the seaside at least once a year – perhaps for summer holidays or day trips. Last year alone, RNLI lifeguards responded to more than 9,500 incidents and helped more than 10,900 people on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

To help the beach-going public stay safe, the lifesaving charity is offering some essential beach safety tips to make sure people remember their summer holidays for the right reason.

You can visit RNLI's website here.

One of the many Lifeguard lookouts at Bournemouth

Ten top tips for a safe summer at the seaside

1. Always swim at a lifeguarded beach
2. Swim between the red and yellow flags
3. Never swim alone
4. Know your beach safety flags
5. Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas
6. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help
7. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
8. Find out about the beach you’re going to before you visit
9. Check tide times before you go
10. Read and obey local hazard signs