10 top tips for staying safe at the beach

 
1. Agree a meeting point


Children are safest when supervised. As soon as you're at the seafront agree a meeting point in case you get separated from each other. If your child does go missing:

  • Calmly check your surroundings, ensuring other children remain monitored.
  • Contact one of the Foreshore Inspectors who can often be found patrolling the beach (foreshore inspector huts are located at various points along the seafront), Seafront Police or the Visitor Information Centre.
  • Let all searchers know once the child is found.

2. Get your SeaSmart Wristband.


Southend's Visitor Information Centre which can be found at the Pier entrance operates the SeaSmart scheme in cooperation with the coastguard, which gives your children a wristband that can help identify them if they become separated from you - in turn, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy your visit to the beach!


3. Check the tide times


A beach is a brilliant playground but remember that the tide can come in surprisingly quickly. Don't walk too far out - many lifeboat rescues are to people getting cut off by the rising water, To prevent this from happening to you, get a Tide Timetable from the Visitor Information Centre at the Pier or take a look at out tide times section before you visit.


Always keep a look out for the tide's direction while on the beach!


4. Watch out for...
  • Slippery Rocks
  • Strong Currents
  • Man-made structures - like breakwaters and our world's longest pleasure pier!
  • Offshore winds - don't get blown out to sea
  • Other water users - parts of the seafront are used by kitesurfers, canoeists and windsurfers and powerboats. Watch out for other people!

5. Stay in the Shade


The sun is at it's most dangerous between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Whenever you are out in the sun, always apply sunscreen (factor 15+) and wear a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.


6. Drinks


Drink as much fluids as possible. Cooler weather can mean a flask of tea or soup, but on any day make sure there is plenty of water for everyone, as the wind and sun can easily dehydrate you even when it isn't very hot. If you are planning on physical exercise you must drink half a litre of fluid at least half an hour beforehand and continue to replenish your fluids after exercising.


7. Inflatables

Blow-up toys and airbeds are designed for pools, not the sea where you can easily be swept out. If you must use them at the beach then:

  • Ensure children are closely supervised
  • Keep nearby
  • Never take out in big waves

8. Picnic Time


While you'll probably take cold food with you or buy refreshments nearby, you may bring your own food or even consider a BBQ. Not all beaches permit the use of BBQ's so if you are unsure whether you can light a barbeque where you are, best don't. If you are having a BBQ where permitted, please ensure that all BBQ's are completely extinguished before disposing of them.


Always dispose of your rubbish in the bin (there are even specially marked recycling bins along Southend Seafront) or take it home so the beach is clean for other users and the local wildlife doesn't get injured.


9. For Safety and Advice


If you need non-urgent assistance, you can always ask one of the Beach Inspectors who patrol the Foreshore. They can help you with everything from Beach Safety to First Aid advice. If there isn't one near you can call them on 01702 215620 (ext 83)

DON'T FORGET TO READ THE SAFETY SIGNS which can be found on each one of Southend's beaches.


10. In emergencies....


If you need emergency assistance on the beach - or anywhere along the seafront - dial 999 and ask for the coastguard from one of the 18 yellow, emergency-only telephones positioned along the seafront.
First Aid Posts are located at Leigh Bell Wharf, Marine Parade, Shoebury East Beach.