Beach Safety

 

Ocean + Beach Safety

 

It is ever so important to take safety precautions before visiting a beach, this includes being aware of all rules and regulations that are in place.

The ocean carries with it an undeniable sense of mystery, adventure, and awe – but it can also pose some very real dangers if you don’t take the right precautions when enjoying your day at the beach.

It is important to be aware of all safety rules and regulations before entering the beach and water, and to make sure you follow these rules for a safe and enjoyable day.

 

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Beach Safety

It is important to be aware of the risks that come with visiting the beach, and to understand how to stay safe while in the water or on land. Depending on their location and geography, beaches can pose several different types of risks. These include rip currents, waves, tides, marine life and weather patterns. It is important to be aware of these hazards and know how to react if you or someone around you becomes affected.

Here are some tips to keep you safe on the beach:

  • Know how to swim - if you don’t know how to swim, don’t go in the water;

  • Swim in designated areas - always swim where lifeguards are present, and only in marked swim areas. Avoid swimming in areas where boats, surfboards, or other watercraft are present;

  • Stay within your limits - never swim farther than you can handle;

  • Obey all beach rules - this includes not swimming in restricted areas or beyond flags;

  • Check for flags and signs - check out what flags are flying at the beach before entering the water;

  • Swim with a buddy - never swim alone and make sure someone knows your whereabouts. If you're swimming alone, make sure a friend or family member knows where you are and when you plan to be back;

  • Do not drink and swim - you should never go into the water after drinking;

  • Supervise children - make sure that children are supervised at all times when near or in the water;

  • Be aware of rip currents - avoid swimming in strong waves and look out for any warning signs;

  • Be aware of high tides - check tide times before entering the ocean and stay within safe depths;

  • Respect ocean life - be conscious of the marine life at the beach and do not disturb them;

  • Wear protective clothing - wear appropriate clothing such as rash guards or wet suits if necessary;

  • Wear a life jacket - if you are not confident in your swimming ability, wear a life jacket at all times when entering the water;

  • Learn CPR and first aid - in case of an emergency, it's always a good idea to know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Take a course to learn these skills.

It is important to obey all local beach rules when visiting the beach, as they are in place to keep everyone safe and healthy. Common rules include no swimming beyond flags, no fishing at certain times of day, no drinking alcohol on the beach, and no littering. Make sure that you understand these regulations before entering the beach area so that you can enjoy your time there without any issues.

Follow advice from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) about staying safe on the UK's beaches.

 

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Beach Flags

Beaches usually display several different types of flags which indicate varying levels of risk for swimming in the ocean. The red flag indicates that the beach is closed for swimming due to dangerous conditions, while the yellow flag means that caution should be exercised when entering the water. The black/white flag denotes strong currents and it is not advised to swim during this period. The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) provides more information about the meaning of each type of flag. Beach flags may vary by country/region, so it is important to check with your local authority before entering the beach.

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Sun Protection and Staying Hydrated

The sun’s rays can be strong at the beach and it is important to protect yourself from the potential harmful effects of UV rays by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses, and even seeking shade when needed. Make sure you stay hydrated while exposed to the sun and take regular breaks in a shaded area if possible.

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Types of Waves

The ocean has many different types of waves which can be dangerous if you are not aware of them. The most common type is the swell, which is a large wave that rolls in from open ocean and breaks on shore. There are also rip currents, which are strong channels of water that move away from the shoreline and can drag swimmers out to sea; and rogue waves, which are unexpectedly large and powerful waves that can cause severe damage or injury. It is important to familiarise yourself with these risks before entering the ocean.

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Rip Currents

A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of water flowing away from shore. These currents can form along any coast that has breaking waves and can move quickly, pulling swimmers out to sea. It is important to be aware of these dangers before entering the ocean and avoid swimming in areas with visible signs such as discoloured water or choppy wave patterns. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, the best course of action is to remain calm and try not to swim against it. Instead, float or tread water until you are out of the current, then swim back towards shore at an angle. If you are unable to stay afloat and/or feel like you need help, signal for someone onshore with your arms or call for help by shouting. Read here how to spot and avoid a rip current.

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Weever Fish

Stepping on a weever fish can be a painful experience, but with the right treatment, you should be able to reduce the pain and discomfort within a few hours. If you find yourself in this situation, read here what you should do. Remember, it is always best to seek medical attention if you're unsure about the severity of the injury.

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Pet Safety and Rip Currents

As pet owners, we take our furry friends with us on many of our outdoor adventures, including going to the beach. While it can be a lot of fun to play in the water with our dogs, it is important to remember that the ocean can be a dangerous place, especially when strong rip currents are present. If your dog gets caught in a rip current, it is important to know what to do to keep them safe.

  • Stay calm - it's important to stay calm in any emergency situation. Dogs can sense when their owners are stressed, which can make the situation worse;

  • Don't go in after them - resist the urge to go into the water to try to save your dog. Rip currents can be very strong and dangerous, even for experienced swimmers;

  • Call for help - if you're on a beach with lifeguards, call for their assistance immediately. If not, call emergency services such as the Coast Guard or local animal control;

  • Keep an eye on them - keep your eyes on your dog as they are being carried out. Sometimes, currents will change and bring them back to shore;

  • Redirect them - if you have a toy or something that they can grab, throw it near the shoreline to redirect them, and then slowly and calmly try to coax them back to shore;

  • Provide first aid - if your dog is able to make it back to shore, they may be disoriented and may have swallowed some seawater. Be sure to dry them off, keep them warm, and provide any needed first aid or medical care.

Remember that just like with humans, prevention is key. When heading to the beach with your dog, be sure to keep them on a leash and in designated dog areas. Watch for any signs of a rip current and always obey any warnings from lifeguards or beach patrol. With some planning, you and your furry friend can enjoy a fun and safe day at the beach.

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If you see someone in trouble

Call for help: Call 999 or 112. Ask for the coastguard.
Throw them a line: Have something that floats or that they can hold on to? Throw it to them.
Stay safe: Carefully consider if it is safe to enter the water yourself. Too many people drown trying to save others.

Also see:

>> Know the risks

>> Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) about staying safe on the UK's beaches

>> Find tide tables and surf reports for the UK and Ireland

>> Find my nearest lifeguarded beach

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Important! This post has been written to provide general advice and tips on how to stay safe at the beach. Please consult your local authority or health agency for more specific information before entering the ocean.

 
 
 
 
Elke Bretz