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Beach Safety

Stay safe on Whitmore Bay. Here are some guidlines and information on beach safety when visiting Whitmore Bay Beach at Barry Island.

Swim in Safety

Follow these ten safety tips to ensure that you minimise the dangers when swimming in the sea.

Top Ten Safety Tips­

  • Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by 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
  • Don't swim directly after a meal
  • Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Don't run or dive in the water, always check the conditions, they might have changed
  • If you get in trouble in the water, don't panic, raise one arm, call for help and float until assistance arrives
  • Float with a rip current or undertow, don't swim against it

Safety Flags

These flags are used by lifeguards to denote the different areas of the water that are to be used by swimmers and those using surf boards or surf craft:

Lifeguard Patrol Flag Red & Yellow Flags indicates a patrolled bathing area.
Swim between these flags
Board Craft Flag Black & White Flags indicate a surfboard and craft zone, not a safe place to swim.
Surf between these flags
­ Red Flags indicate that the beach is ‘closed’ and you should not enter the water

Sun Safety

­Too much exposure to the sun's harmful rays can do serious damage to your body. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, with thousands of new cases diagnosed every year. Spending even just a short time in the sun can lead to sun burn, heat exhaustion and even sun stroke which in some cases leads to illness and possible death.

Remember Slip, Slap, Slop

  • Slip on a shirt, preferably long sleeve
  • Slap on a hat
  • Slop on some appropriate sunscreen

It is also a good idea to avoid exposure to sun during the hottest part of the day 10am-3pm and take advantage of shade when possible. It is
important to remember to keep hydrated with plenty of water and protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses offering 100% UV protection.

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