Guide Beach safety and information

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4. Sea Swimming

Swimming in the sea is a great way to improve your fitness and stay healthy, however it does come with risks, so please follow this advice to help you stay safe:

  • Never swim alone.
  • Pick your spot, check our beach signs for information on hazards and warnings. Never swim in areas signed as no bathing or where red flags are flying.
  • Always wear a hi visibility swimming hat and use a tow float to increase your visibility to other water users.
  • Unless the water is very warm, wear a wet suit to help your body maintain its temperature.
  • Carry a means of summoning aid such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, or a whistle or air horn.
  • Check the weather before you go and do not swim in conditions that exceed your ability.
  • Remember that our yellow buoys are a speed limit for craft, not a safe swim zone.
  • Also none of our Buoy lines are intended to be a swimming course, for your own safety it is best to stay away from them so that your head /float is not mistaken for a buoy, and so that you do not become entangled with their moorings.
  • Please be considerate of other beach users. For example we do ask anglers to reel in if they see a swimmer, but this does not mean you have priority to swim straight through an angling match.
  • If you are new to Sea swimming consider taking lessons or joining a local club 
  • To learn more about staying safe while Sea swimming why not checkout the RNLI guide or the Swim England website