Respect the Water.
Gower, Swansea and Mumbles offer incredible places to surf, swim and explore. Conditions can change quickly, so knowing what to look for before entering the sea can make all the difference.
Coastal Emergency
If someone is in danger at the coast, alert a lifeguard or call the emergency services and ask for the Coastguard.
Before entering the water
A safer session starts on land.
Take a few minutes to understand the beach, check the conditions and make sure your equipment and ability are suited to what the sea is doing that day.
Choose Lifeguarded
Whenever possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and check the patrol dates before travelling.
Check Conditions
Look at the weather, tide, swell and wind before entering the water. Conditions can change during your session.
Check Your Gear
Use suitable equipment, an appropriate wetsuit and, when surfing, a properly fitted leash in good condition.
Know Your Limits
Choose conditions that match your experience. If you are unsure, speak to a lifeguard or local surf school before going in.
Know your flags
Read the beach before the water.
When lifeguards are on duty, beach flags show where different activities should take place and when conditions are unsafe.
Red & Yellow
Swimming and bodyboarding zone. This is the lifeguarded area and the safest place to swim or bodyboard.
Black & White
Surfcraft zone. Used for surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks and other non-powered craft. Do not swim or bodyboard here.
Red Flag
Dangerous conditions. Do not enter the water while the red flag is flying.
Orange Windsock
Strong or offshore winds. Do not use inflatables on the water when the windsock is flying.
Rip currents
Don't fight the current.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water moving away from the shore. They can quickly carry swimmers and water users away from the beach.
Stay calm
Do not try to swim directly against the current. Fighting it can quickly exhaust you.
Wade if you can stand
If the water is shallow enough to stand safely, try to wade out of the current rather than swimming.
Swim parallel
If you can swim, move parallel to the shoreline until you are free from the rip, then head back towards shore.
Float and signal
If you are struggling, Float to Live, raise a hand and shout for help.
RNLI Float to Live
Stop fighting. Start floating.
If you unexpectedly find yourself struggling in the water, floating can give you time to regain control of your breathing and conserve energy.
Head Back
Tilt your head back so your ears are submerged.
Relax
Try to relax and bring your breathing back under control.
Move Gently
Gently move your hands and legs if you need help staying afloat.
Let Your Legs Sink
Don't worry if your legs sink. Everyone floats differently.
Practise Safely
Practise your floating technique somewhere supervised, such as a swimming pool.
Before a session
Quick water safety checklist.
Before entering the sea
- Check the weather and wind direction.
- Check tide times and expected swell.
- Look for warning signs and beach flags.
- Check your equipment before entering.
- Wear suitable protection for the water temperature.
- Choose conditions appropriate for your ability.
While you're in the water
- Keep an eye on changing conditions.
- Know where you entered and where you can exit.
- Give other water users enough space.
- Keep within your ability and energy level.
- Whenever possible, surf or enter the water with others.
- Leave the water if conditions become unsafe.
Gower • Swansea • Mumbles
Local conditions matter.
Conditions can be very different from one beach to another around the Gower coastline. A beach that looks calm on one visit can behave very differently with another tide, swell or wind direction.
Watch the Waterline
Be aware of the tide before entering the water and make sure your route back from the beach will remain accessible.
Conditions Can Shift
Currents and sandbanks can change. Do not assume that conditions will be the same as your previous visit.
Ask Before You Paddle Out
Read local signage and speak to lifeguards or experienced local professionals if you are unsure about the conditions.
Emergency
Someone in trouble?
If you see someone in difficulty, alert an RNLI lifeguard immediately. If no lifeguard is available, call the emergency services and ask for the Coastguard.
Ask for the Coastguard. Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue yourself. Keep sight of the person and provide the emergency services with as much information about their location as possible.
Beach information
Lost something?
Lost property
If you lose an item at a beach, speak to the lifeguards or authorised beach staff if they are on duty. After leaving the beach, contact the relevant beach operator or local authority. If you find valuable property, hand it to authorised staff where possible.
Official information
Water safety resources.
Check official guidance and current beach information before heading to the coast.
RNLI
Beach flags, coastal safety guidance, rip-current advice and Float to Live information.
Visit RNLI → Patrol InformationFind a Lifeguarded Beach
Check current RNLI lifeguarded beaches, seasonal patrol dates and individual beach information.
Find a beach → Water SafetyRLSS UK
Water safety education and resources for swimming, families and open-water activities.
Visit RLSS UK →SURF GOWER
Enjoy the coast. Respect the water.
Check the conditions, understand the beach, know your limits and never be afraid to stay out when the sea doesn't look right. There will always be another session.
Check Lifeguarded Beaches