Coastal safety

HM Coastguard is called to around 36,000 incidents each year, with peak times during the summer holidays and half terms.

Coast Clever focuses on four key themes - tidal cut off, offshore winds, cliff safety and mud.

Mud

Low tides can expose dangerous sinking sand and mud at the coast. Look for the yellow warning signs and stay clear on your visit – never try to cross mud as a shortcut because you can easily get stuck. 

• Check the tide times before you leave home
• Watch out for the yellow warning signs
• If you do get stuck, lean back to spread your weight
• Stop other people from trying to help you as they might get stuck too. In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
  

Tide

Do not get trapped by incoming tides. Rapidly rising sea levels at the coast can trap you with very little warning, leaving you in serious danger. Stay safe and reduce the risks: 

• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
• Set off for a walk when the tide is going out, not coming in 
• Ensure you take a charged phone. 

In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Offshore wind

Offshore winds at the coast can be dangerous. If you’re using a paddleboard or kayak, the wind can quickly sweep you out to sea and make it extremely difficult to return to shore.

1. Avoid paddle boarding when the wind is blowing from the land out to sea
2. Do not paddle out if you see an orange windsock
3. Never use inflatables in the sea
4. If you are in trouble, stay with your paddleboard or kayak so rescue teams can see you
   

Cliffs

Rocks and cliff falls can happen at any time and getting too close to the edge or base of the cliff can put you in serious danger. Stay safe and reduce the risks:

1. Stay well back from cliff edges.
2. Keep to the proper signposted paths.
3. Wear sturdy shoes.

In a coastal emergency call 999 for the Coastguard.