Water safety signs to look out for
When you're near water, there are numerous icons or symbols that you should look for on water safety signs, each with a specific purpose. At the seaside, you might also spot special flags that indicate important safety information. In addition to these, some water safety signs may direct you to facilities like toilets, first aid stations, or where public rescue equipment is stored.
Danger icons or symbols
Icons warning you of danger are always:
Warning icons
- Shape: Triangle
- Colour: Yellow background with black symbols
- Purpose: These alert you to hidden hazards. Pay attention to these warnings to stay safe.
Prohibition icons
- Shape: A red ring with a diagonal line
- Colour: White background, red line, and black symbols
- Purpose: These indicate actions or areas that are dangerous. They tell you what not to do for your safety
Information icons
- Colour: White background with black symbols or text
- Purpose: These help you locate important facilities or directions
Mandatory actions
- Shape: Circle
- Colour: Blue background with white symbols
- Purpose: These highlight actions you must take to ensure your safety
Emergency information
Many signs will also include emergency information on what to do if there is an emergency
- Colour: Usually on a green background
- Purpose: This information is to help you to follow instructions on what to do in an emergency
Safe condition information
This information tells you where important safety items are such as the first aid place, or the emergency telephone
- Colour: Green background with white symbols or text
- Purpose: These point you to essential safety items like first aid stations or emergency phones.
