Watch for Hazards

Always consider visiting a lifeguarded beach as they can offer information about hazards to look out for at that beach. For information about which beaches have lifeguards,
check the Good Beach Guide.


If there are no lifeguards on the beach you will need to look out for the risks and hazards yourself when you arrive.

The tide comes in and out twice a day and the beach that you arrived at in the morning can be a very different place only a few hours later.


There are dangers at the beach that you can't even see - some underwater hazards include:

  • Rip currents
  • Undertows
  • Rocks
  • Manmade objects

The depth of the water over these hazards will change from hour to hour.


Don't jump into the unknown


Many people injure themselves by jumping into the sea and
hitting obstructions, or because the water is too shallow to
be safe


Click here to watch a short (3.5 minute)  MCA podcast featuring
an interview with Nick Biddlecombe, who, when he was just
seventeen, was injured because he dived into the sea without
knowing what was beneath him. He talks to BBC Radio
One Newsbeat's Andy West.