RESPECT,PROTECT and ENJOY our beaches and bays.
Whilst there are so many great things about summer at the beach, there are plenty of reasons to take great care whilst having fun. To be able to enjoy it in its entirety and as safely as possible, we’ve put together some helpful summer safety tips to take note of.....
On the beach!
Credit RNLI/Ellen Dean
Look out for lifeguarded beaches
Once summer season kicks off, everyone’s first instinct is to go to the beach. It’s important to remember that you should always swim at a lifeguarded beach.
There will be RNLI lifeguard cover at the following beaches from 10am - 6pm (2024)
*Weekends and Bank Holidays Saturday 25th May - Friday 12th July
Minnis Bay, Westbrook Bay Margate, Stone Bay Broadstairs and Ramsgate Main Sands
*Daily Saturday 25th May - Friday 12th July
Margate Main Sands, Botany Bay Broadstairs, Joss Bay Broadstairs and Viking Bay Broadstairs
*Daily Saturday 13th July - Sunday 1st September
Minnis Bay Birchington, West Bay Westgate, St Mildred’s Bay Westgate, Westbrook Bay Margate, Margate Main Sands, Botany Bay, Joss Bay, Stone Bay, Viking Bay Broadstairs and Ramsgate Main Sands
*Weekends only Saturday 7th - Sunday 29th September
Margate Main Sands and Viking Bay Broadstairs
Keep kids close
Kids love visiting the seaside, but because the beach is such a popular summer destination, they quickly get packed. It’s very easy for children to get lost when exploring the beach, so it’s important that you keep a close eye on them.
In case you do get separated, make sure they have your mobile phone number about their person (options include writing on their arm in a Sharpie, or giving them a label to put around their wrist) and make them wear something that makes them identifiable.
Lifeguards can provide wristbands for children at the lifeguard huts that Parents can write their mobile number on.
It’s a good idea to take a photo of them on the day so that you can show a lifeguard should you need to. Tell your child to meet you at the Lifeguard Hut on the beach if they get lost, and to speak to a lifeguard if they ever need help.
Don’t take the tide in your stride
With their golden sands and shallow shelving, the Thanet beaches are beautiful and exciting places to explore.
However, there are a number of opportunities to get cut-off by the tide, which can and do catch people out. Notable places of potential danger in Thanet are between Botany Bay, Joss Bay and Stone Bay Broadstairs and Dumpton Gap to Ramsgate Main Sands.
Walkers are encouraged to look out for the red (danger) windbreaks near the tidal cut off areas at Botany Bay, Joss Bay and Stone Bay.
Make sure you know when high and low tide is before you go to the beach or ask a lifeguard if you’re unsure.
Slip, slop, slap
Ultraviolet rays are the number one cause of skin cancer and can cause lifelong damage. In order to stay protected over the summer, make sure to slip on a shirt, slop on some sun cream with a minimum SPF of 30, protect your shoulders, head and eyes, stay hydrated, spend as much time in the shade as possible and slap on a hat!
Credit RNLI/Ellen Dean
In the Water
We’re fortunate in Thanet to have relatively calm waters, but it is crucial to always respect the water and never overestimate your abilities. Swimming in the sea is very different to swimming in a pool, and even the most confident swimmers can get caught out. Make sure to always swim between the red-and-yellow flags under the supervision of lifeguards and don’t take inflatables out on the open water with you.
The climate will most likely be lovely and warm throughout the summer, but that isn’t the case with the sea. Anything below 15°c is defined as cold water, and the average temperature for UK waters is 12°c. Cold water shock can steal the air from your lungs and leave you breathless in seconds. In order to best prevent it, enter the water slowly to allow yourself time to acclimatise. Should you find yourself suddenly in the water, make sure not to attempt to swim straight away; the cold water shock response will pass in sixty to ninety seconds. Relax and float on your back in a star shape so that you can catch your breath and keep calm as you call for help.
It is strongly recommended not to take inflatables out onto the water, as they are not designed for the ocean. They are especially dangerous during an offshore breeze, so if you see the orange wind sock flying it is definitely not a good idea to take an inflatable out.
For more advise on how to stay safe at the beach head to the RNLI website, a great source of information
