Beach Safety

Portreath Surf Patrol

Members of Portreath Life Saving Club volunteer to patrol the beach providing safety cover at busy times when the RNLI Lifeguards are not on the beach.

Top tips when at the beach:

Below are some things you should do to when visiting beaches around the UK

  • Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers/lifeguards
  • Swim between the red and yellow flags, they mark the safest areas to swim
  • Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised
  • Read the signs,  if a beach is closed don’t swim there
  • If you are unsure of the surf conditions ask a lifeguard/lifesaver
  • Don’t swim directly after a meal
  • Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Don’t run or dive into the water, always check the conditions as they might have changed
  • If you get into trouble in the water, don’t panic, raise one arm and float until help arrives
  • Float with a rip current or undertow, don’t swim against it
Swim between the flags

Flags

Flag are for your safety and indicate the safe bathing area or dangers on the beach:

  • Red and Yellow – Safe bathing between them
  • Black and White – Area for surf craft
  • Red – Beach closed dangerous to swim