Beach safety
Around four in every 10 accidental fatal drownings within the UK happen at coastal locations like beaches, estuaries and inshore coastal waters.
Across all waters, there are around 35,000 emergency callouts annually to people in harm’s way.
Keeping the public safe
To help keep people safe, we recommend that anyone responsible for managing a body of water should:
Regularly conduct beach safety risk assessments
This will enable you to identify, monitor, respond to and reduce the risk of hazards.
Use the correct safety signs and flags
It’s important to check these are in good condition and to swiftly replace them if they are vandalised or go missing.
Provide shady spaces during hot weather
This will help prevent people suffering from heat stroke. As our climate changes and we experience hotter temperatures, this is more important than ever.
Provide information boards
This could include potentially life-saving information about lifeguards, tides and what to do in an emergency.
Profile and engage with your visitors
Understand who is coming to your beach and find the best ways to share beach safety messages with them.
Consider creating a water safety policy
The policy should aim to reduce drowning and other potential water-related harm.
In an emergency
Call 999
Read more
River safety
If you’re responsible for a stretch of river, it’s vital to make sure it’s safe for anyone who’s in, on or near it.
PPE and training
Whether it’s coastal or inland, if you’re responsible for a body of water, you need to provide the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Water safety signs
Find out about the three main types of water safety signs when you are around water.
Water safety audit
RoSPA consultants will perform comprehensive safety audits tailored to each indoor and outdoor water location, as well as various leisure and recreational sites.