After reading an excellent post on Surf Nation by Hannah a lifeguard down in Cornwall, I thought that I had better add this to my blog and hopefully will help school teachers and group leaders plan their visits to our coastlines.
The information below is courtesy of SLSA Wales Also the RNLI have an excellent site on particular this page which all group leaders and school teachers should use before visiting the coast. RNLI Beach safety downloads page
* Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards.
* Swim between the red &yellow flags. They mark the safest areas to swim.
* Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised.
* Read the signs. If a beach is closed, don’t swim there.
* If you are unsure of the surf conditions ask a lifeguard or lifesaver.
* Don’t swim directly after a meal.
* Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
* Don’t run or dive in the water, always check the conditions.
* If you get in trouble in the water, don’t panic, raise one arm up and float until help arrives.
* Float with a rip current or undertow, don’t swim against it
F-ind the red and yellow flags and swim between them
L-ook at the safety signs
A-sk a lifeguard for advice
G-et a friend to swim with you
S-tick your hand in the air and shout for help if in difficulty
Do swim between the Red over Yellow flags
Don’t swim when the Red flag is flying
Listen to your LIFEGUARD and ask advice
Don’t take inflatables into the sea, you could be carried away by wind & tide
Don’t swim for at least an hour after meals
Don’t swim after drinking alcohol
Don’t swim alone or when cold
SLIP-SLAP-SLOP
SLIP on a tee shirt
SLAP on a hat
SLOP on some sun cream