RNLI Beach Safety

Every year thousands of people get into real, life-threatening difficulty on our coasts. They may be washed out to sea, pulled under by a strong rip current, or simply get into the water when conditions are dangeorus. To ensure you and your family don't put yourselves in danger we have compiled some simple steps you can take to stay safe on the beach.

Top tips to stay safe

• Wherever possible, always swim at a lifeguarded beach. Go to www.goodbeachguide.co.uk to search for listings throughout the UK and ROI.
• Always read and obey the safety signs, usually found at the entrance to the beach. These will help you avoid potential hazards on the beach and identify the safest areas for swimming.
• When on a lifeguarded beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim or bodyboard between them - this area is patrolled by lifeguards.
• Never swim alone.
• If you get into trouble stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
• If you see someone in difficulty, never attempt a rescue. Tell a lifeguard, or, if you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Remember FLAGS when at the beach:

Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them.
Look at the safety signs.
Ask a lifeguard for advice.
Get a friend to swim with you.
Stick your hand in the air and shout for help if in difficulty.

	Red and yellow flags Red and yellow flags indicate the area patrolled by lifeguards. These are the safe areas to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables.
	Black and white chequered flags Black and white chequered flags indicate an area zoned by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks. Never swim or bodyboard in these areas.
	Red flag The red flag indicates danger. NEVER enter the water when the red flag is flying, under any circumstances.

Always follow the 4-point water safety code

Spot the dangers
• Check out the beach when you arrive.
• Take care when bathing and swimming.
• Beware of rocks, piers, groynes / breakwaters.
• Be aware of dangerous rip currents.

Don’t go alone
• Swim with a friend – Never go on your own.
• Make sure there are other people around – you never know when help might be needed.

Take safety advice
• Swim where there is a lifeguard on patrol and within a zoned area of red/yellow flags.
• Look out for information – warning signs and flags.
• Never swim where a sign says not to, or when a red flag is flying.
• Listen and take advice from lifeguards.

Learn how to help
• If you see someone in difficulty, tell somebody, preferably a lifeguard if there is one nearby, or
• Go to the nearest telephone, dial 999 or 112, ask for the coastguard.
• You can learn lifesaving and rescue skills.

Call 0800 328 0600 for beach safety information and advice or email beachsafety@rnli.org.uk.

For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk