Beach Safety Advice

Cornwall has the largest coastline of any area in England - that's almost 300 miles of coastline, nine river estuaries and about 300 beaches. We have awns, gugs, inlets, coves, estuaries, beaches, strands, cliffs, headlands, points, islets and islands.

There are great wide areas of golden sand, miles of sand dunes, hidden coves, famous spots and infamous places. We have private and public beaches, and the equivalent of two separate coasts.

You can build sand castles, play in warm sand pools; examine low tide, clear, salt water rock pools; explore it, amble it and climb it. Fish from it or on it, dive beneath, skim across the top, paddle, splash and sometimes just stand and look in fascinated awe.

Every time you look it will be different because some part of it will have changed. The tide and light will change with the movement of the moon and sun and as the season changes so will the temper of the sea which shapes the splendour before you.

For all its benevolence the sea can be fickle and in its harsher moments downright evil and so we have sought the wisdom of the people who know of these matters. The Cornish have always lived with the sea, both as friend and foe, there is a history of experience to be drawn on and we ask that you read this advice before visiting our Cornish beaches. To help you gain maximum advantage from your visit we have listed and described the majority of the above described riches. To help you further we have added advice from various sources and brought that together with some handy tips.

Be safe and come back again.

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Publications available:

Safety on the Sea - Beach Safety Guidelines

Be Safe on the Beach and on the Coast

Be Safe Beside the Sea

Addresses at the end of this information.

The information which follows is taken from the above publications and other sources

Some Statistics:

There are over 2000 lifeboat launches and 2500 incidents requiring Beach Lifeguard assistance on Britain's beaches each year. Most places are generally safe but care should always be excercised.

Incidents involving the Marine Emergency Services break down into:
26% for people cut off by the tide and stranded

29% for rubber dinghies, air beds, inflatables, surfboards, rowing boats, etc.

45% for bathers, divers, waterskiers, people falling from cliffs, etc.

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The Water Safety Code.

• Spot the Dangers
• Check out the beach when you arrive.
• Take care when you are bathing and swimming.
• Beware of rocks, piers, groynes/breakwaters.
• Keep away from cliffs and steep slopes.
• Take Safety Advice.
• Swim where there is a lifeguard on patrol and within a zoned area of red/uellow 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.

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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.

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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, ask for the Coastguard.

You can learn basic lifesaving and rescue skills. (see advice notes at the end of this information).

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Checks by the sea

Take Care

Children need to be supervised by an adult at all times, especially near the sea. Toddlers can be knocked over by waves and can quickly drown - even in shallow water.

Make sure you always know where everyone from your group is - if anyone goes swimming or leaves the beach.

Beware of being trapped by the incoming tide, or the sea circling behind you. Find out about the tide times from tide tables, notice boards, Coastguard or our Elements Report. Always keep an eye on water levels.

Avoid rip tides and strong currents beneath the surface. Calmer water between areas of surf usually indicates a dangerous rip current which may carry you out to sea.

Watch out for large waves and the wash from passing vessels. They can sweep you off your feet even if you are standing somewhere safe.

Always swim close to the beach and in line with the shore.

Never climb cliffs - keep away from the edges - even gentle slopes can be dangerous when wet.

Never dive or jump from piers, groynes or breakwaters, etc., and take care when entering the sea.

Only use a snorkel if you are a good swimmer and the water is calm. Don't snorkel if you have breathing problems.

Keep some footwear handy - you may encounter Weever Fish particularly at low tides.

Don't swim -

• - directly after a meal
• - after drinking alcohol
• - if you are feeling unwell
• - are cold, very hot or tired
• - near pipes, outflows, rocks, breakwaters and piers
• - if the red flag is flying
• - where power boats are operating
• - where surf boards or sail-craft are active

Don't stay in the water too long. You will get cold and tired.

In the Sun

• Slip - on a long sleeve 'T' shirt
• Slap - on a broad brimmed hat
• Slop - on some sun cream

Inflatables and Boards.

Inflatables - small rubber dinghies, air beds and other novelty inflatable toys.

Inflatables are fun but can be dangerous. The best advice is simple - Don't use them in the sea - keep them on the beach.

Remember:

A wind blowing off the land makes the sea look calm, flat and apparently safe - it can sweep an inflatable out to sea very swiftly.

It only takes a slight breeze to blow an inflatable out to sea.

Surf conditions are particularly dangerous for inflatables.

If an inflatable is swept out to sea, Don't go after it - If someone is on the air bed/inflatable call the Coastguard or tell the lifeguard.

Boards-

Check the tides and currents.

If you have a soft board/boogie board, stay with the board and don't go out too far. Keep within the zoned area for swimming, which may be indicated by the red/yellow flags.

If you have a large/malibu type board, use this within the zoned area shown between two black/white quartered flags.

Keep your board attached to your wrist or ankle by a strap.

Be considerate to other beach users, swimmers and board users.

What to do in an Emergency.

If you see Someone in Trouble:

shouting for help

waving an arm above the head

orange smoke or dayglo orange flag or red flare

All signal that someone needs help.

Do not enter the water to rescue anyone. To do so would put you at risk.

If you are on a beach not manned by Lifeguards, call the Coastguard by telephoning 999 and give the following information:

What you have seen - give a clear description.

Where you have seen it - and where you are telephoning from.

When you discovered the problem - how long before you have been able to telephone.

Who you are - your name.

Once you have given the above information, it is important to stay beside the telephone so you can be contacted again if necessary until emergency is over.

If Lifeguards are on patrol, call them at once.

If possible, arrange for someone to remain at the scene of the incident whilst help is summoned.

If you are on an unmanned beach where an emergency has occurred, check the area and locate the nearest telephone, Dial 999 and contact the Coastguard.

Once you have called for help, you may be able to assist a person in trouble in the water.

Shout to reassure them. Tell them to keep their arms under the water.

Use Public Rescue Equipment (provided you are competent to use it)

Reach the person in the water with a stick or clothing tied together or any other device.

Throw a rope, buoyant device or something which floats.

Don't enter the water unless you are trained and competent to carry out a rescue.

When casualties have been removed from the water, keep them away from dangers, keep them warm, and send for or get medical help. Stay with them until help arrives.

What to do if you are in difficulty in the sea.

Remain calm - try to float on your back, keep your arms under the water, and breathe steadily.

Do not exhaust yourself - if you are being swept out to sea - swim diagonally to the shore - not against the tide.

Attract attention by waving one arm only and shout for help.

Remember the Water Safety Code:

Spot the dangers

Take safety advice

Don't go alone

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Most information on beaches in Cornwall will be restricted to the more popular places to visit.

Whilst we feature these places we have been more thorough than any other source that we know of. Because we feature many places which are often isolated we wish to offer some advice which we hope you will find useful.

What has hewn the coast? The Atlantic! It comes straight in at us and shapes our shores, sweeps our beaches clean twice daily, provides us with the sea conditions so many love and carries the warming waters of the gulf stream to us. It also brings some problems and the main one to consider is the tides.

The importance of checking the tide's times and strengths:

All beaches will give more visual benefit at low tides. There will be more sand and more space available, rock pools will be revealed as will the more interesting features of the area you are visiting.

Arriving three hours before low tide will give you roughly six hours for the tide to ebb to low and flow back to where it was when you arrived; similarly if you wanted to spend four hours at your chosen place and gain the best of the low tide - arrive two hours before low tide. This is not always possible because the tides do not work to your behest!

Caves and coves especially at low tides.

Fascinating areas to explore but you must know your tide times and the state of the tides. Because this tide is always on the move be careful that you do not become cut off. On the popular beaches there will be someone to warn you, isolated areas mean that you have to be extra vigilant.

Always remember the difference between spring and neaps (neaps are slower moving), and whether the tide is going out (ebbing) or coming in (flowing).

Failure to get your tidal information correct could lead to you being cut off with no way out of the place you are in.

Bays and Beaches.

You will always being going down hill to get to them., they being at sea level. Coming back up later, after a day in the sun, is never as easy as going down there, always remember to keep some energy in reserve.

The more inaccessible the spot the lighter the load you should carry.

Remoter places are certainly not covered by lifeguards and will have no facilities whatsoever.

They are often tranquil little beauty spots. You will gain very little from visiting them at high tide so choose a time which will get you there around the low tide mark.

We would advise that you recce any of these coves, havens, awns or inlets before you decide to spend the day there. Many of these places are entirely unsuited for children, elderly people or anyone with less than good health. Regardless of your health swimming at some of these coves can be dangerous and you should seek local knowledge as to whether swimming is dangerous. If you get into difficulty there is nobody on this earth who is going to be able to help you. Exercise extreme caution.

Tip.

Spend some time exploring some of these coves and inlets. Don't go overburdened. Think of fishing, photography, picnics. Take a map.

Feeding Gulls - Don't!

Gulls are aggressive when breeding and attack people. Gulls scavenge and spread illnesses like salmonella and botulism, they also carry fleas and parasites that spread from nests into homes. Gulls live a long time and double in number every five years. People who feed gulls might forget that those who live here are left with the problems long after they have gone home.

Dogs on beaches.

There are 56 beaches in Cornwall which operate dog bans, so that still leaves plenty of scope for dog owners. Dog bans operate between Easter Day and October 1st. The ban does not apply to blind person's guide dogs. Taking a dog on a beach where they are banned is punishable by a fine of up to £400.

Seashore Code

• Please take photographs but leave sea creatures & plants where you find them.
• Always carefully replace overturned rocks & seaweeds as you found them.
• Avoid removing seaweed from rocks, it can take many years to grow.
• Make sure a shell is empty before taking it home.
• Think before buying seashells - most had living animals in them when they were collected.
• Report anything unusual washed up on the shore or beach.
• Please take your litter home with you. Bag it and bin it.

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If you would like more information about learning water safety, life support and rescue skills including educational resources, contact:

The Royal Life Saving Society UK

Mountbatten House

Studley

Warwickshire. B80 7NN.

Telephone: 01527 853943

The Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain

Varney House

115 Sidwell Street

Exeter. EX4 6RY.

Tel: 01392 254364.

The Royal Yachting Association

RYA House

Ramsey Road

Eastleigh.

Hampshire. SO50 9YA.

Telephone: 01703 627400

For additional information and educational resources, contact one of the following organisations:

The Coastguard Agency

Spring Place

105 Commercial Road

Southampton. Hampshire. SO15 1EG.

Telephone: 01703 329401.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution

West Quay Road

Poole

Dorset. BH15 1HZ.

Telephone: 0 1202 663174

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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Edgbaston Park

353 Bristol Road

Birmingham. B5 7ST.

Tel: 0121 2482000

The Beach Safety Advisory Committee (Devon & Cornwall)

3 Coombe Lane

Cargreen

Saltash.

Cornwall.

Telephone: 01752 848279.

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