British beaches rely on a flag system to ensure the safety of the beach
area.
 BATHING
Designated bathing area supervised by Lifeguards. All swimmers/Boogie
and Body Boards etc. Always bathe between the red and yellow flags.
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 SURFCRAFT
For all surfcraft over 5 feet in length. Includes canoes, windsurfers
etc.
Always surf between the black and white flags.
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 DANGER
DANGER DO NOT ENTER THE SEA
The red flag indicates that the sea conditions are dangerous.
Never enter the sea when the red flag is flying
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 | Always accompany children to the sea and make sure you stay in the
correct patrolled area and within a reasonable depth. |
| Always listen and obey the Lifeguards advice.
| Never take inflatables into the sea.
| Never swim alone or right after eating or drinking alcohol.
| Never leave valuables unattended. |
| | |
 ...have a rest after eating.
Always wait at least an hour after large meals before swimming, and never drink
alcohol before going for a swim.
...go swimming with a friend.
No matter how good a swimmer you are, you may need help. And never let young
children out of your sight.
...take care with
inflatables.
An offshore wind can blow you out to sea in seconds. Remermber, offshore winds
often make the sea look very calm and flat. Check which way the flags are
blowing.
...get out if you feel cold.
Even strong swimmers get tired in the cold.
...keep an eye on the tides.
It is very easy to get cut off by the tide, especially on flat beaches where it
may come in much faster than you expect!
...take notice of signs and flags.
Remember, lifeguards patrol the area between red-and-yellow flags, a
black-and-white check flag means surfing only, and a red flag means no swimming.
 ...swim near piers, rocks or
groynes.
Dangerous currents can develop, and you can get knocked into them very easily.
...dive into shallow water.
If you can't tell how deep it is, don't dive! Lots of spinal injuries occur each
year because people dive into shallow water.
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