Leisure and Culture >> Beaches

Beaches: Safety

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F.L.A.G.S

To stay safe, remember F.L.A.G.S when you are at the beach:

Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them.  Always swim where there is Lifeguard on duty and stay inside the area marked by the red and yellow flags.  Never swim where a sign says not to or when a red flag is flying.

Look at the safety signs.  Always read and obey the safety signs - they will help you avoid potential dangers on the beach and identify the safest areas for swimming.

Ask a Lifeguard for advice.  If in doubt, it's always best to play safe and ask the experts.

Get a friend to swim with you.  Make sure there are other people around, because you never know when help might be needed.

Stick your hand in the air and shout for help if you get into difficulty.

If you see someone in difficulty, tell a Lifeguard immediately.  If you can't see a Lifeguard, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Other points to remember when swimming in the sea:

• Don't go swimming straight after eating and never go swimming after drinking alcohol
• Get out if you feel cold
• Keep an eye on the tides
• Don't swim near the Pier or groynes

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Inflatables

We advise you not to use inflatable toys, beds and dinghies in the sea, because:

• A wind blowing off the land makes the sea look calm, flat and apparently safe, but it can sweep an inflatable out to sea very quickly
• It only takes a slight breeze to blow an inflatable out to sea
• Surf conditions are particularly dangerous for inflatables

If you do choose to bring inflatables to the beach, follow these guidelines to minimise your risk of getting into trouble:

• Children's inflatables should always have a line connected - held securely by an adult on the shore
• Make sure children are within easy reach at all times
• Only use inflatables between the red and yellow flags
• Always follow the advice given by lifeguards
• Never take inflatables out in strong winds or when you can see large waves

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Sun Safety

Make sure you protect yourself from the sun.  Spending just a short time is the sun can result in sunburn, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which in some cases can cause illness or even death.

Exposure to the sun can cause problems in the long-term too, including skin cancer.

So, while you're at the beach, remember to:

• Cover up with a long-sleeved t-shirt and a hat
• Wear at least 'factor 15' sun protection lotion
• Never let your skin turn red
• Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, between 11.00am and 3.00pm and take advantage of shade where possible
• Keep hydrated - drink plenty of water
• Wear good sunglasses to protect your eyes

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Weever fish

Weever fish are very common in the waters around the UK and can give you a nasty sting if you tread on one.

The effect of a sting can vary from a minor rash to extreme swelling, so it's important to react quickly and seek help from the Lifeguard Station if possible.  To treat the sting, put it straight into hot water, the hotter the better, but make sure it's not hot enough to scald.  The heat will help breakdown the venom and increase blood flow to the area.

The best way to prevent getting stung by a Weever fish is to wear some form of footwear when you're in the water.

If severe or life-threatening symptoms are present, seek medical help immediately.

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Where to get Help

In an emergency dial 999

Hastings Borough Council - Resort Services and Amenities:

01424 451050

Hastings Police (non-emergency):

0845 6070 999

Hastings Information Centre:

0845 274 1001

Hastings Lifeboat Station:

01424 720828

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