Surf and Water Safety Education

Listed below are ten suggestions to make your time at the beach, surf, and water not only safer, but also more pleasurable and appreciative of our spectacular coastline and surroundings.

 

 

 

Learn to read and recognize beach signs and flags.
While at the beach, the first thing to do is search for any beach signage or lifeguard flags that could be there. Beach safety signs are normally located at the entrance to the beach and give important information. Close to the ocean, lifeguard flags are erected.

 

 

 

1.Do not enter the water if there are red flags flying over it.

The presence of red and yellow flags indicates a swimming area that is safe. Swim between these flags if you want to get there fast!
Swimmers should avoid the area delineated by black and white flags because they may be struck by a surfboard or surfcraft.

 

 

The direction of the wind is indicated by the orange wind sock. Limited to residents of the United Kingdom

You should be particularly cautious if there are no warning signs or flags at the beach.

 

 

 

2.Inspect the area to see whether someone is working as a lifeguard

Lifeguards and lifeguard flags are not always present on all of Cornwall’s beaches, especially during the summer months. After 5 p.m., lifeguard shifts may be over. In order to be safe, you must remain vigilant.

 

 

 

 

3. Go with the Flow of the Sea

Sea levels influence beaches and waterways in the United Kingdom, Europe, and many other parts of the globe. On vacation, many are perplexed as to where the beach has disappeared, only to discover that the tide has risen!

 

Approximately every 12 hours, water is brought in and removed at somewhat different times and in slightly different quantities.
It is possible to be strolling along a sandy beach when the tide comes in and you are unable to go back out.

 

 

Additionally, tides may be quite swift, making wading or swimming in them extremely perilous, particularly at river mouths along the coast.
For information on high and low tides in your location, go to tide charts (available from surf shops).

 

 

 

4. Keep an eye on the breeze. 

The ability to exert force and steer the course
When a wind blows from the land to the sea, it is referred to be offshore. SUPs and inflatables are excellent at catching the wind and transporting you far away from the coast. It will be challenging to paddle back into shore against the breeze.

 

 

 Strong offshore winds should not be ventured out in. Check the wind sock on lifeguard beaches, which indicates the direction of the wind.

 

 

5. Recognize the dangers of ripping currents.

Whenever waves crash against the coast, the water must find a way to escape, which is what causes rips to form.
This current may be quite powerful and it may carry you a great distance away from the coast. 

 

6.Getting back to shore might be a difficult task.

Rips may be found on beaches, among rocks, and at the mouths of streams and rivers..

 

A smooth ocean surface, maybe with ripples or debris going out to sea, and waves breaking on each side are typical characteristics of this kind of water.
Despite the fact that the water seems to be calm, it might really be a fast-moving rip.
Instead of panicking, go with the flow when you find yourself stuck in a tear. 

 

Swim backwards, away from the rip current. Follow the shoreline until you are out of the rip, and then swim back to the beach to dry off.

 

 

7.Understanding of Waves is on our list.

The ocean and its waves may be a dangerous place to be in any season. Make sure to keep an eye out for large, powerful waves that smash against the shore. Never turn your back on the waves, particularly while coming out of the water; otherwise, you may be driven over by the force of the current.

 

 

 

Be familiar with the emergency signal.
If you are drowning, the aid signal is to raise one hand in the air and yell for assistance. It’s important to remember that you should never go out alone!

 

 

8. Be Conscious When You’re Surfing

It is recommended that beginners only surf in waves that are 1 12 feet high or less in order to protect their safety, and they should utilize beginner surfboards designed specifically for beginners. Get some surf instruction from an ASI-certified surf instructor or school to improve your surfing skills.

 

 

 

9. The Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Aware

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fantastic way to explore the sites from the sea while also staying active. It performs well in bays and rivers with calm, flat water. A session from an ASI Accredited SUP teacher or school will teach you how to make your experience more pleasurable even though it seems to be simple. Never paddle out into the waves; this is reserved for highly experienced paddlers who are confident in their abilities.

 

 

 

10. Take Good Care of the Sand Dunes and the Environmental 

Environment
Due to the high volume of foot traffic on sand dunes, they are extremely sensitive. If the vegetation holding them together is trampled or worn away, the sand drifts away with the rest of them. Many endangered plant, bird, and insect species may be found there, as well. 

 

 

Sand dunes should never be crossed by foot, car, or bicycle. When walking, stay on the pathways that have been authorized.. Your picnic should be held on a sandy beach rather than in the sand dunes. Always remember to bring your garbage home with you! –