Remember FLAGS when at the beach;

Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them
Look at the safety signs
Ask a lifeguard for advice
Get a friend to swim with you
Stick your hand in the air and shout for help if in difficulty

Always follow the 4-point water safety code;

Spot the dangers

• Check out the beach when you arrive
• Take care when bathing and swimming
• Beware of rocks, piers, groynes / breakwaters
• Be aware of dangerous rip currents

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

Take safety advice

• Swim where there is a lifeguard on patrol and within a zoned area of red/yellow 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

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 or 112, ask for the coastguard
  • You can learn lifesaving and rescue skills

  Call 0800 328 0600 for beach safety information and advice or email beachsafety@rnli.org.uk.
  
  The RNLI’s Educations and Water Safety team includes 10 Regional Education Officers and 10 Water Safety Co-ordinators. There are also nearly 1000 Education and Water Safety volunteers throughout the UK and Ireland; many are trained specifically to promote beach safety at schools, colleges, youth groups and other interested organisations.
  
  There are also 6 Area Lifeguard Managers who work for the RNLI Beach Rescue team based in the South West. Each one would be happy to talk to any group who operate near to their local area.
  
  For a school or club presentation/demonstration about beach safety and/or rescue then contact the RNLI on;
  
  Beach Safety and Education Manager
  RNLI HQ
  West Quay Road
  Poole, Dorset
  BH11 1HZ
  
  0800 328 0600
  
  beachsafety@rnli.org.uk