Surf Safety

Surf Reef RNLI Lifeguards

Three RNLI lifeguards will patrol the surf reef 365 days a year. Patrols will begin at 10 am and finish at dusk as the nights draw and extend up until 6 pm, as the evenings get lighter again in the spring. They will specifically patrol the area to the east of the pier and the surf reef, where black and white flags will mark out the designated surfing area.  They would advise and welcome anyone unsure about where to go in, and wanting advice on the conditions, to come and speak to them.

Surf Safety

Always

·  Follow the advice of lifeguards

·  Check your board for damage before use

·  Wear your leash

·  Stay with your board and shout for help if in difficulty

·  Surf between the black and white flags

 Never

·  Go alone

·  Ditch your board as it will help keep you afloat

·  Drop in on another surfer

If you get into difficulties, stick your hand up and shout for help – but never abandon your board.

If you see someone else in difficulties, tell a lifeguard or dial 999/ 112 and ask for the Coastguard

Ten top tips for a safe trip to the beach

If you’re heading to the beach, 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.

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.

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

Bournemouth Seafront Office T: 01202 451 781