10 Hot tips for summer safety




There’s nothing quite like the appeal of our beautiful beaches and coastline, especially during hot summer days and holidays.

So we’ve put together this easy 10 point guide to keep everyone safe this summer and make sure that you take home happy memories. Remember if you see anyone in trouble at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

 For more information visit www.coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk 


1.    Jumping: Jumping into the water from piers, rocks, cliffs or other structures can be very dangerous. You never know what’s beneath the surface and tide times and currents will rapidly transform a deep pool into a shallow puddle.
2.    Look for the lifeguards: Choose beaches where lifeguards are on duty, swim between the flags and take note of their advice.
3.   Chilly water? The shock of cold water can slow your body’s responses, even for strong swimmers and tides and currents can quickly sweep you away. So get in sloooowwwly!
4.    Sea shore: If you get stuck in a rip current, shout for help, swim parallel to the shore then swim or wade in. Avoid most harbours and fast-flowing water.
5.    Don't get carried away: Inflatables are not suitable for use in the sea and they can go from fun to potentially deadly in minutes, save them for swimming pools. Tide conditions, the wind or any changes in the weather mean inflatables can be quickly carried out beyond safe depths.
6.    Watch out: Keep a close eye on members of your group and particularly young children. Watch them when they are going for a swim, rock pooling or just playing in the water.
7.    Swept out to sea?  Stay with your boat or inflatable and shout for help, waving your arms if possible. Do not attempt to swim for shore if you are out of your depth. Ideally make sure that someone ashore is keeping an eye on you.
8.    Life Jackets on. If you’re on a boat or taking part in water sports, do wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid. A good lifejacket with a light, sprayhood and whistle will be a big help in saving yourself and/or surviving long enough for rescuers to find you if you are unfortunate enough to fall into cold water.
9.    Step out: If you’re doing cliff or coastal walking, do wear sturdy clothing and footwear and take a mobile phone. Tell someone at home when you expect to return. Keep pets on a lead and avoid cliff edges.
10. Safety and Selfies: Take mobiles. Arrange a meeting place with your group in case you become separated, take full advantage of any beach safety schemes such as wristbands and take photos/selfies of your group on arrival so you have an up-to-date pic to share should you need to.  Plus of course alert the lifeguards or call the Coastguard straightaway if you see anyone in trouble.

As ever, our message is, ‘Keep safe, but if you see anybody in trouble or if you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.

For more information visit www.coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk 


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