Beach Safety
![Beach safety advice](/images/beach-safety.jpg)
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
The lifeguard's flags
![red yellow lifeguard flag](/images/red-yellow-flag.png)
These flags show which area of the beach is being patrolled by the lifeguards. This area is safe for swimming, bodyboarding and the use of inflatables
![black white chequered flag](/images/surf-flag.png)
This is the surfing area. It has been designated for using surfboards and to keep these away from other bathers. You should not swim in this area.
![red lifeguard flag](/images/red-flag.png)
The red flag indicates the sea is out of bounds. On no account must you enter the water as there is a real danger of drowning
![orange lifeguard windsock](/images/windsock.png)
The windsock indicates offshore winds. These make it potentially dangerous to use inflatables as they may be blown out to sea.
Spot the dangers
Always follow the 4-point water safety code;
- 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 in 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