BEACH SAFETY ADVICE
To keep yourself safe, when you are in, on or beside water, remember F.L.A.G.S.
 Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them.
Always swim where there is a lifeguard on patrol, and stay inside the area marked by the red and yellow flags. Never swim where a sign says not to, or when the red flag is flying.
Look at the safety signs.
Always read and obey the safety signs – they will help you to avoid potential dangers on the beach, and to identify the safest areas for swimming.
Ask a lifeguard for advice.
If in doubt, it’s always best to play it safe and ask the experts.
Get a friend to swim with you.
Make sure there are other people around, because you never know when help might be needed.
Stick your hand in the air and shout for help if you get into difficulty.
If you get into difficulty, stay calm, float on your back and wave one arm above your head to attract the attention of the lifeguards.
If you see someone else in difficulty, always tell a lifeguard – or if you can’t see one,
call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Rip Currents
Rips are strong currents running out to sea that can easily take swimmers from shallow water out beyond their depth. They are responsible for a number of drownings each year. Rip currents are particularly powerful in larger surf, but can also be found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.
REMEMBER: try not to panic if you encounter a rip current, it will only make you more tired and reduce your ability to reach safety.
At the Beach
When you visit the beach in the summer, look out for red and yellow flags. These mean that the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, and the safety place to swim in between these flags.
Look out for safety infomation boards. These are usually at the entrance to the beach or near a public convenience i.e. toilet/cafe etc. You may see signs similar to the ones below. Heed these warnings, they are there for your safety.
 
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