The lowdown on beach safety
Always try to swim at a beach supervised by lifeguards. Look out for the lifeguard station and information when you arrive at the beach and check to see if a patrolled swimming area is in place.
And when swimming at a beach with a lifeguard service remember to remain SAFE:
S - SPOT - spot the dangers
A - ADVICE - take advice
F - FRIEND - always swim with a friend
E - EMERGENCY - learn how to help in an emergency
Click here for more on spotting dangers and general water safety.
When playing on the beach don’t dig holes by the sea and never get inside them. It may sound obvious but people die each year doing this.
Recognising beach flags
On a lifeguard patrolled beach there will be a number of flags indicating the water conditions. Try to remember them as understanding what they mean could help save your life.
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Red and Yellow Flag This means that lifeguards are on patrol. Two flags at the water's edge show you where the patrolled bathing area is. |
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Red Flag This means it is dangerous to bathe or swim. Don't go in the water if you see this flag. |
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Quartered black and white flag This flag shows that an area is zoned-off for water-sports. Don't swim in this area. |
An orange windsock
When you see this sock flying at a beach it indicates the wind conditions are especially dangerous. Never take an inflatable into the sea when you see this windsock.
So it's lifeguards, dangerous water, water-sports and high winds - think you've mastered which is which? Then try our awesome Beach Safety Game!
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