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North Devon
Scene
How to be beach smart
Here are some safety tips so you enjoy your seaside
break with peace of mind. We hope you find that
this seaside safety information helps you enjoy your
holiday on the North Devon coast by making you aware
of some of the things to avoid doing and some of the
things you can do to make your holiday in the sun trouble
free.
Information
For safety and weather advice before you head out to sea, remember you can contact the local Coastguard. They will be able to tell you both the short and long-term weather forecasts and advise you on the tide times for the area. National directory enquiries have the telephone numbers for all the local Coastguard stations around the UK. The North Devon Gazette should also print daily tide timetables. Most importantly be safe and enjoy your time on the North Devon coast.
Remember: Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see someone in trouble.
Beach and sea safety tips
When you’re at the beach:
• Always tie inflatables to the shore and make sure children are in easy reach at all times – rubber rings and inflatable toys and boats can easily drift miles out to sea with just a light breeze.
• Keep clear of any cliff edges as they can be slippery when they get wet – some of the cliffs around Devon are very high and can give way under foot.
• Always swim close to the beach, in line with the shore.
• Don’t drink and drown. Eating and drinking before swimming may give you cramps while you’re in the water – you may then be unable to get back to the shore.
• Check the weather and tides before you leave home – then you won’t get swept away.
• Check the beach when you arrive and beware of rocks and breakwaters.
• Look out for warning signs and flags:
- Red flag means it’s dangerous to swim
- Red and yellow flag means lifeguards are on patrol and you should swim in the area between the flags
- Black and white flag means it’s an area used by surfers only and is not suitable for swimming.
• Avoid rip tides and strong under-surface currents which can carry you out to sea – calmer waters between areas of surf usually mean dangerous rip currents.
When you’re at sea:
• Plan your trip carefully – remember to leave your trip details with friends or a family member onshore. If you’re then overdue there is someone to alert the Coastguard.
• Triple check the weather, safety equipment and your boat before you set sail – make sure you have a correct lifejacket on board for each person and that each person wears the life jacket at all times.
• Always carry spare fuel, a paddle, water, and food – just in case you are caught short.
• Sail within your limits and ability.
• Make sure everyone on board knows how to use the boat’s safety equipment.
• Ensure you have an appropriate means of communication should the worst happen and you find you need to contact the Coastguard.
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