Barbeques get very hot. Hot enough to melt bins and seriously burn skin. Remember this is not only the barbeque itself but any area that it touches, for example the sand itself. If you are using a disposable barbeque do not bury it when you are finished with it as it stays hot for a long time and could seriously hurt others. There are areas along the Maer with picnic tables and barbeques for your use.  Please ask for details at your local tourist information centre.

Fluid is vital on a hot day. When planning you day out make sure you bring plenty of water as the wind and sun can easily dehydrate you even if it doesn’t seem to be that hot. Alcohol is a poor idea at the beach. It affects judgement, and it is not advisable to enter the water if you have been drinking. Alcohol contributes to dehydration increasing the risk of heat stroke. Be moderate or leave it until after you have left the beach.

For more information about habitats and species you might find, clean swimming water areas and whether you are in a protected area visit: Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk or www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

Please do not feed the seagulls. Gulls are perfectly capable of finding natural foods and can cause a nuisance in towns. They can behave in a threatening manner when protecting their young or when collecting food. Therefore feeding must be discouraged.

Part of the charm of our local areas is that they are beautiful areas of natural beauty. Please do your best to keep them this way. Put you rubbish in the bins provided. If you can’t see a bin, take your rubbish with you. Litter levels have been reported to have doubled in the last 18 years so please dispose of your litter properly.

We all know the risks of too much sun so when you are on the beach don’t forget sunscreen-slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum 4 star rated, water proof sunscreen every two hours. Use a child friendly version for children under 3 as water proof sunscreens can lead to overheating in young children. Sun hats and sunglasses protect you from harmful UV and shade you. Seek the shade in the

hottest times between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is at its strongest. Keep hydrated!

Get local tidal information from the Harbour master, the Tourist Information Centre or bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/tides.

Jumping from heights into water is extremely dangerous. The water may be more shallow than you think. Rocks may not be visible. The water can be so cold it causes shock. Strong currents may sweep you away. Many people have been seriously hurt or even killed due to tombstoning

Rips are strong currents that can quickly take swimmers from the shallows out beyond their depth. The lifeguard can show you the safe places to swim but should you get caught in one:

• Stay calm
• If you can stand wade don’t swim
• Keep hold of your board or inflatable if you have one to help you float.
• Raise you hand and shout for help.
• Never swim against the rip.
• Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip then make for shore
• Alert a lifeguard if you see any one in trouble or call 999 or 112 and ask for the coast guard

Photos: Paul Naylor

Weever-Fish. These are plain looking fish that sometimes nestle in the sand, in water just a few centimetres deep. A weaver-fish will raise a sharp spine on its back in self defence if trodden on. Place the affected area in water as hot as you can stand. Test the water first so scalding does not occur.

Jellyfish; If you are stung by a jellyfish, do not rub as this will cause the pain to increase. Lightly spray the area with sea water and apply a cold

compress. If severe and or life threatening symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately. If you spot a Jellyfish you can report it to MCS at mcsuk.org.

Sea Anemones. You can find sea anemones stuck on rocks. These are soft bodied creatures that can produce a nasty rash if brushed against though most people are not affected.

For more information about habitats and species you might find, clean swimming water areas and whether you are in a protected area visit: Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk or www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

Please do not feed the seagulls. Gulls are perfectly capable of finding natural foods and can cause a nuisance in towns. They can behave in a threatening manner when protecting their young or when collecting food. Therefore feeding must be discouraged.

Between the 1st of May and the 30th of September dogs are banned on the beach between the Octagon Kiosk and the Maer Rocks unless in the charge of a registered blind person.

Please be aware of this as there is a £1000.00 fine.

Red and Yellow Flags: Lifeguarded areas: safest places to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables

Orange windsock: Indicates offshore or strong wind conditions-never use an inflatable when the sock is flying

Black and White Flag: For surfboards, kayaks and other non-powered craft. Never swim or body-board here.

DANGER! Never go in the water when the red flag is up, under any circumstances.

Lifeguard season is from the 25th of May to the 8th of September (this is subject to possible changes – for more information please contact the

tourist information centre or the RNLI – www.rnli.org

Never swim alone. If you get into trouble stick your hand in the air and shout for help! If you see someone in difficulty do not attempt a rescue, tell a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the coast guard.

Be aware of the tide times as you can become cut off, especially near to the Orcombe point area of the beach.

Take care along the cliffs as there can be cliff fallsand slides. Do not sit

directly under a cliff when sunbathing and if walking along cliff paths please stay clear of the edges.

Safety Information has been sourced from the RNLI website www.rnli.org and various local authorities. Please be aware that Eaton-Terry Clark takes no responsibility for any information given on this leaflet and all information is subject to change. Please contact the Tourist information Office and the local authorities for up to date information.