Respect the Water.
The sea can change quickly. Learn how to recognise rip currents, understand cold water shock and remember the simple actions that could save your life or somebody else's.
A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Change Everything.
Surfing, swimming and exploring the coast all involve changing conditions. Swell, tide, wind, water temperature and local hazards can turn a familiar beach into a very different place.
Check conditions before entering the sea, use lifeguarded beaches where available and pay attention to flags, signs and advice from lifeguards.
Conserve energy and don't try to swim directly against the current.
Cold water can rapidly affect breathing, movement and heart rate.
Lean back, keep your airway clear and regain control of your breathing.
Ask for the Coastguard for an emergency at the coast.
Rip Currents The Water Moving the Wrong Way
Rip currents are channels of water moving away from the shore. They can carry swimmers into deeper water and quickly cause exhaustion if you try to fight them.
Don't waste energy trying to overpower the current.
Wading may be safer than trying to swim.
Move across the current until you are clear, then head back towards shore.
Raise your hand, shout and conserve energy.
Cold Water Shock The First Moments Matter
Sudden immersion in cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Gasp Reflex
Sudden cold can make you gasp involuntarily, which is particularly dangerous if your face is underwater.
Breathing Changes
Breathing can become rapid and difficult to control immediately after entering cold water.
Heart & Blood Pressure
Cold water causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict, increasing strain on the cardiovascular system.
Float to Live
If you find yourself struggling in the water, floating can give you time to recover your breathing and conserve energy before calling for help or swimming to safety.
Tilt Your Head Back
Let your ears go beneath the surface and keep your face clear of the water.
Relax
Try to stay calm and allow your body to float. Your legs may sink and that's OK.
Control Your Breathing
Focus on breathing normally rather than immediately trying to swim.
Move Gently
Move your hands and feet if needed to help maintain your position.
Get Help
Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety if you are able.
Phone. Float. Throw.
Going into the water yourself can create another casualty. Get professional help and support the person from a safe position whenever possible.
Call 999 or 112
Ask for the Coastguard and explain where the person is and what is happening.
Tell Them to Float
Encourage them to lean back, stay calm and conserve their energy while help is coming.
Throw Something Buoyant
If available, throw something that floats to help them remain above the water.
The Colours Matter
Lifeguarded beaches use flags to mark areas for different activities and warn when entering the water is unsafe.
Swimming & Bodyboarding
Use the area between the red and yellow flags when swimming or bodyboarding at a lifeguarded beach.
Surf Craft Area
This area is for surfboards, stand-up paddleboards and other non-powered craft. Don't swim here.
Do Not Enter
A red flag means the water has been judged dangerous. Do not enter the water.
Make the Safe Choice Before You Reach the Water.
FLOAT TO LIVE.
Tilt your head back. Relax. Control your breathing. Move your hands and legs if needed and call for help when you can.