Beach Safety News and Advice from the Chief Lifeguard - Tony Jones F.I.S.T. F.inst.S.R.M. F.I.S.T.(L.S.)

 The Beach Lifeguards season has now come to an end but not so beach usage.

In our absense should you see someone in trouble please dial 999 and ask for The Coastguard.

Can I on behalf of my team wish you all the best for the winter and say that we look forward to seeing everyone next season.

Regards

Tony Jones
Lifeguards Service Manager

Red and yellow flags

These flags mark areas that are patrolled by lifeguards. These are the safest places to swim.

Red flags

A red flag indicates danger. Never enter the water when the red flag is flying.

Black and White Chequred flags

If you see a black and white chequered flag, it means the area is safe for watercraft, like surfboards and kayaks.

It's not safe to swim or use a bodyboard in these areas.

Orange Windsocks

If you see an orange windsock flying, it means there are dangerous wind conditions. Never use an inflatable, like a tube or a dinghy, when the orange windsock is flying - you could get swept out to sea.

Other signs on the beach

Make sure you read and obey any safety signs you see at the entrance to the beach. These signs give information about what you can and can't do on the beach.

Wirral’s Beach Lifeguard Service is urging sailors, jetskiers, transiting divers and all other motorboat users to wear their life jackets in a bid to stay safe.

The ‘useless unless worn’ campaign has been set up by the National Water Safety Forum, with the RNLI and Coastguard also now adopting the initiative.

The campaign encourages boaters to always wear their lifejackets – whatever the conditions.

RNLI research has found that 99 per cent of people surveyed carry a lifejacket but only 49 per cent actually wear it.

Wirral Council is now promoting the campaign to ensure that sea-goers on the peninsula are keeping themselves safe.

Whether they’re training or out on a shout, RNLI crew members always wear lifejackets. It's a rule informed by years of experience. They know that, whatever the weather, the sea is extremely unpredictable and can turn at a moment's notice. They see people caught out all the time, people who’ve risked or even lost their lives.

The latest research, in conjunction with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, shows that boaters are unaware of the risk of ‘cold water shock’ if they fall in. A lifejacket will double your chances of survival and will aid you being located.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety Councillor Chris Blakeley said: “We must listen to the experts on this issue – when you are at sea, always wear a lifejacket. It will buy you vital time in the water and could save your life, but only if you're wearing it.”