Camber sands
RNLI ADVICE LINK PLEASE READ THIS ! SAFETY ADVICE it is for every one who uses the sea not just Camber
As we have had a few fatal accidents at CAMBER SANDS over the last few months
and it has been on national TV news.
Please take time to check out this link for advice before you go to the popular beaches nearby
The lifeboat service have issued advice and here you can find the link.
Respect the water: Seaside safety advice we should all keep in mind
The RNLI is urging everybody to pay close attention to safety advice on our beaches and shorelines - here's their advice.
While our wonderful shorelines are there to be enjoyed and a day by the sea is one of life’s great joys, staying aware of potential perils at all times is vital for each and every one of us.
Here are six seaside safety reminders we all need to be aware of:
Take care out of the water, too
As Peter points out, “more than half the people who get in trouble had no intention of getting into the water”. Instead, they’ve run into difficulty after being “swept off rocks”, or “falling off paths or marinas into water”. If the water’s rough, don’t venture too close, and never underestimate the power of a big wave or gust of wind to knock you off your feet.
Be wary of slippery or unsteady paths and rocks too.
Swim sense
Even if you’re quite confident in a pool, it’s a different matter entirely in the sea, and even the strongest swimmers need to respect the water. Research whether it’s a safe area to swim – remember, unless you’re hugely experienced and knowledgeable about an area, you will not be able to tell whether it’s safe by simply looking at the water.
It’s not just about waves, but the currents and rip tides going on below the surface. Plus, the sea can quickly change and become overwhelming. Never take risks, don’t swim alone, and stay close to shore.
Lifeguarded beaches
Ideally, if you’re planning to spend time in the water, opt for a lifeguarded beach. You’ll still need to be sensible and take precautions, but knowing a lifeguard’s on duty is added peace of mind for families, and means if you do run into trouble, there’s a greater chance of help reaching you quickly.
The RNLI has a list of lifeguarded beaches here.
Check the flags
Signs and flags are there for your safety – so never ignore them. Remember that the flags at a certain beach or stretch of shore may not always be the same, as they may be altered depending on conditions that day. A red flag indicates a danger alert, meaning you’ve been warned not to enter the water.
Safest areas are indicated with a red and yellow flag, while black and white chequered flags are used for areas reserved for watercraft (kayaks, etc). Find further information about flags and signs here.
Keep an eye out for each other
Even if a beach is lifeguarded, it’s never wise to let your guard down if you’re playing in or around the sea. It goes without saying that children should be supervised at all times, even if they are in a group and/or using inflatables. But this logic applies to teenagers and adults too.
[Related story: The history of the holiday: From Tudor royal trips to traditional seaside towns]
Keep an eye out for each other, avoid entering the water alone, and at the very least, always tell somebody where and when you are going into the sea.
Boating and boarding
Safety rules apply when you’re using watercraft, be it a kayak, surfboard, pedalo, or if you’re planning to enjoy some bodyboarding, too. You’ll need to take care of your own safety in the water, and be aware of others in the water around you. If you’re hiring equipment from a watersports centre at the beach, pay close attention to rules and follow all the safety advice given, especially in terms of staying in designated areas and not venturing too far from shore.
If you’re taking your own equipment, ensure you do some research first, pick a safe area for your particular activity, and don’t venture out alone. The RNLI has advice on specific activities here. RNLI ADVICE LINK