British Beaches

Visitor information for every beach in the UK

"Oh, you crawled out of the sea, straight into my arms"

Beach Safety

Lifeguards at Widemouth Bay Image by Aguyintobooks via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

Beaches are one of the most popular tourists and recreational destinations in the UK. But the coast is a natural environment, and often has hazards that are not immediately obvious. Before venturing into the water, make sure you are aware of how to stay safe on the shoreline.

Top tips for staying safe in the water

Inflatables

Inflatable toys and airbeds are designed for pools, not the sea where they can easily be swept out. If you do use them at the beach, then:

Beach Flags

At lifeguarded beaches, these flags are used to indicate where and when it is safe to enter the water.

Red and yellow flags

Lifeguarded area. Safest area to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables.

Black and white chequered flags

For surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other non-powered craft. Launch and recovery area for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Never swim or bodyboard here.

Red flag

Danger! Do not enter the water under any circumstances.

Orange windsock

Indicates offshore or strong wind conditions. Never use inflatables when the windsock is flying.

Beach Safety :: British Beaches

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