Keeping safe on waterways and at the coast
Whether you’re on a boat, pleasure craft, or planning to go for a swim, make sure you know how to keep yourself safe on waterways. This includes understanding about lifeguards, safety flags, waves, tides, currents, knowing the dangers and what to do if you get into difficulty.
Understand the risks
Getting into trouble in water can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
Be aware of the risks and try to be as safe as possible.
If you’re on a boat or pleasure craft you should wear a buoyancy jacket or lifejacket.
If you fall into deep water:
- you should lie on your back and float
- fight the instinct to panic or swim - it’s better to just float
- lie back and keep your airways clear, push your stomach up and extend your limbs, moving hands and feet to help you float
- try to control the effects of cold water shock such as the gasping reflex - once your breathing is controlled, call for help and, if possible, try making your way towards safety
If someone falls into deep water:
- phone 999 for the emergency services - if you don’t have a phone, shout for help but do not go into the water
- encourage the person in the water to try and float on their back and if there is
rescue equipment nearby, throw it to them - never enter the water to try and save someone - you are likely to suffer from cold water shock which will leave you unable to help, even if you're a strong swimmer
If you’re at a beach either tell a lifeguard or phone 999/ 112 and ask for the coastguard.
Beaches, lifeguards and safety flags
Whenever possible, try to find a beach with a lifeguard and always obey the safety flags and signs.
Understanding waves, tides and currents
Understanding tides and currents will help you stay safe if you like to go swimming in the sea.
Find out how to identify safe waves to swim in and how to spot a rip current.
It's important to check the tide times for the beach you're visiting.
It's also dangerous to jump or dive from a height into water.
Watersports and coastal activities
You can get advice keeping safe when doing watersports and other coastal activities at these links: