As well as creating a special range of tees and hoodies to help raise awareness and funds for the RNLI, we also want to help them spread the word on how to stay safe at the beach.
Taking the family to the beach can be the perfect way to spend the day but, as we all know, things can go wrong. So here's some advice from the RNLI on ways to make sure your day at the beach stays trouble-free...
Top tips for staying safe
- Where possible, go to a lifeguarded beach. When at the beach, swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.
- Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas. They're light-weight so can easily be carried out to sea, even by a light offshore breeze.
- Check tide times before you go. Tides can change quickly so don't judge the length of time you have left to get back to the beach by just looking at the waterline. You can check tide times on local signs, or by asking a lifeguard.
- If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Know your flags
Each beach that is patrolled by lifeguards will fly certain flags depending on the weather and sea conditions and these flags tell you when it is and isn't safe to enter the water. Here's a handy guide for you to get to know what these flags mean so that you can stay out of danger.
- Red & Yellow
Indicate the area patrolled by lifeguards. These are the safe areas to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables. - Black & White Chequered
Indicate an area zoned by lifeguards for the use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks. Never swim or bodyboard in these areas.
- Red Flags
Indicates danger - NEVER enter the water when the red flag is flying, under any circumstances. - Orange Windsock
Indicates strong wind conditions. You should NEVER use an inflatable when the sock is flying.
Seasalt's top five lifeguarded beaches
And while you've got all that good advice in mind here's a little rundown of some of the Seasalt team's favourite beaches in Cornwall that as well as being patrolled by lifeguards, are also utterly lovely!
It's incredibly difficult not to write a great lengthy list of all the best beaches so if you've got your own recommendation let us know at our Facebook page and send us a pic!
- Porthcurno - a beautiful sandy beach right down in the west of Cornwall on the south coast. Its surrounding rocks have a distinctive, rounded and weathered look and built into the cliff above the beach is the world-famous Minack Theatre.
- Godrevy, Hayle - another west Cornwall beauty this one's on the north coast and looks out to the iconic Godrevy lighthouse, the inspiration for Virginia Woolf when she wrote To the Lighthouse. This beach is a favourite with windsurfers and kitesurfers, but also sandsurfers.
- Chapel Porth - a really quiet rural beach so a bit of a favourite with the locals, this is right in the heart of Cornish mining land so it's a great way to get a glimpse into Cornwall's industrial heritage.
- Crooklets, Bude - up in the north of the county this is a lovely little beach but because of its size it can get pretty crowded in the summer. There's an excellent coastal path around it though with some breath-taking views.
- Trebarwith Strand - up near Tintagel, historic home of King Arthur, this beach has soaring cliffs around it but it gets completely covered at high tide, so make sure you check your tide times!
