Beach safety

Beach Safety Zones Map

We have put together a helpful map of the beach safety zones along our coastline, which you may find helpful to download:

• Beach safety zones map

Remember F.L.A.G.S  

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

• F: Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them.  Only swim where there is a 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.
• L: 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.
• A: Ask a Lifeguard for advice.  If in doubt, it's always best to play safe and ask the experts.
• G: Get a friend to swim with you.  Make sure there are other people around, because you never know when help might be needed.
• S: 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.

Flags

Beach safety flags can be either red or red and yellow.

The red and yellow flag show the Lifeguard Patrol Zone, and you should only swim between these two flags.

The red flag means danger and you should never enter the water when the red flag is flying.

Inflatables

Inflatables are best left for the swimming pool as they are lightweight and can easily be swept away by the winds if used in the sea.

If you do take an inflatable into the sea never take it out in strong winds, offshore (out to sea) winds, when the tide is going out, or in choppy sea conditions.

Only use an inflatable between the red and yellow flags.

Sea safety

Rip/Strong Currents

If you are caught in a rip/strong current, remember the three R's:

• Relax: try to stay calm and afloat, do no swim against the current, swim across it
• Raise: raise an arm to signal for help
• Rescue: float and wait for assistance and try not to panic

Waves

Watch out for different kinds of waves. Some of them can catch you out and may knock you off your feet. If the water is rough don't got into the sea. 

Tombstoning

Tombstoning involves jumping or diving from a height into water.  It can be dangerous because:

• Water depths alter with the tide - the water maybe shallower than it seems
• Submerged objects like rocks and beach litter may not be visible and can cause serious injury if landed on
• The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim
• Strong currents can rapidly sweep you away.

Tides

Be aware of the tide times before entering the water and remember:

• A tide that is ebbing (going out) will make it more difficult to swim to shore, so always swim parallel to the shore
• Avoid rock pooling when the tide is flooding (coming in) as you may become stranded.

Sun Safety

Free sunscreen is available at the Beach Office and Lifeguard Station and always remember:

• Wear a high factor sunscreen of 15 or more with UVA and UVB protection
• Seek shade when the sun is at its hottest - this is between 1100hrs and 1500hrs
• You can still get sun burnt on an overcast day
• Avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion by drinking water throughout the day
• Take extra care with children
• Wear good sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Children's safety

Free 'sea smart' wristbands are available from the Lifeguard Station and Beach Office.  You can write your contact telephone number on the wristband so if you do get separated from your child we will be able to call you. Please ask a member of staff for more details when you pick up your wristband.

As soon as you get to the beach arrange a meeting point in case of separation. 

Children are safest when supervised but if your child goes missing:

• Check your surroundings first, ensuring other children remain monitored
• Contact the Lifeguards, Beach Patrols or Police and keep them informed
• Let all searchers know once the child is found.

Weever fish - sting treatment

Weever fish have spines that provide protection from predators, but also cause painful wounds when trodden on.  The best way to prevent getting stung by a Weever fish is to wear some form of footwear when you're in the water.

Should a sting occur find your nearest first aid post or:

• Help the casualty to sit down
• Immerse the injured part in water as hot as they can bear for 30 minutes
• Send casualty to hospital for safe removal of spines
• If severe or life-threatening symptoms are present, seek medical help immediately.

Where to get help

Emergency services:

In an emergency dial 999

Hastings Borough Council - Resort Services and Amenities:

01424 451050

Hastings Police (non-emergency):

01273 475432

Hastings Information Centre:

01424 451111

Hastings Lifeboat Station:

01424 720828

Resort Services:

01424 451139

Beach Inspector:

01424 427025

Beach Office:

Lower Promenade
Marina
St Leonards on Sea
East Sussex
TN38 0BU
Grid Reference TQ 801,088
Telephone: 01424 714259

Lifeguard Station:

Promenade
Pelham Place
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 1PE
Grid Reference TQ 821,093

Visit rnli.org for further information about beach and sea safety.