Cornwall Beach Guide

Cornwall Beaches > beach safety

Beach and Surf Safety

Please follow these simple rules to keep safe at the beach and in the sea.

The 4 point safety code:

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

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

 

For a list of beaches offering a lifeguard service go to our lifeguards page

Check the RNLI's Beach Safety site for more information. You can also download the following beach safety fact sheets: