Beach Safety Tips – How to stay safe and have fun at the Coast – Don’t get carried away!
Heading to the beach is one of our favourite things to do at Byron but the sea can be a dangerous place if not respected, to keep you and your family safe on your coastal holiday follow our top beach safety tips as recommended by the RNLI!
1 – Choose a lifeguarded beach!
The RNLI lifeguards patrol 245 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands. In 2021 they aided over 40,000 people on the beach! Choosing a lifeguarded beach can give you and your family extra safety in a potentially dangerous environment as they seek to prevent accidents and respond to difficulties before they become dangerous.
Guide to lifeguarded beaches
2 – Know your beach flags!
Around the coast, you will see these safety flags on the beaches make sure you know what they mean.
- Red and Yellow flags – This is a lifeguarded area. Safest area to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables.
- Black and white chequered flags – For surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and other non-powered craft. Launch and recovery area for kite surfers and windsurfers. Never swim or bodyboard here.
- Red Flag – Danger! Never go into the water under any circumstances when the red flag is flying.
- Orange windsock – Indicates offshore or strong wind conditions. Never use inflatables when the windsock is flying.
Keep in the know! Learners should not kitesurf, windsurf or use stand-up paddle boards when the wind is blowing offshore.
3 – In the water
- Rip currents
Did you know in the UK, most RNLI Lifeguard incidents involve rip currents? They are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches across the world.
Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people and debris away from the shoreline and out to deeper water.
Rip currents are especially powerful in larger surf which can be found on beaches such as Woolacombe.
- What does a Rip current look like?
Rip currents are tricky to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface.
Even the most experienced sea gurus can be caught out by rips, so be sure to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.
To help avoid getting caught out by Rip currents, firstly make sure your choose a lifeguarded beach such as Woolacombe (remember to check the Guide to lifeguarded beaches) always swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been marked based on where is safer to swim in the current conditions. This also helps the RNLI lifeguards spot you more easily, should something go wrong.
- What to do if you get caught in a Rip current
– Do not swim against it! The current will be too strong, and you will become too tired.
– If you can stand then do, try to wade rather than swim.
– If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head back for shore.
– Always raise your hand and shout for help.
– If you have an inflatable keep hold of it to help you float
– Stay calm – try not to panic
- What to do if you see anyone else in trouble?
Alert the lifeguards or call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
- Cold water shock
Did you know anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can affect your breathing and movement, the average UK and Ireland sea temperatures is just 12°C so the risk of cold-water shock is significant most of the year.
Why is cold water shock so dangerous?
When the body is suddenly put in contact with cold water it experiences several physiological responses that can rapidly incapacitate and even kill. The sudden lowering of skin temperature is one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter.
The biggest danger is inhaling water and drowning, even if the water is calm and you know how to swim Cold Water Shock can cause an immediate loss of breathing control.
What can happen
- Cold water shock can cause you to inhale as you go under the water, due to an involuntary gasping reflex, and drown without coming back to the surface
- drastically reduce your ability to hold your breath underwater, typically from a minute or so to less than 10 seconds
- induce vertigo as your ears are exposed to cold water, resulting in failure to differentiate between up and down
How to reduce the risk of cold-water risk
As the UK is deemed as cold water throughout the year it is important to think about what swimwear you will wear to protect yourself from the cold. A wet suit will provide additional protection, particularly in very cold water.
- Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
- Relax and float on your back to catch your breath. Try to get hold of something that will help you float. Knowing how to float in an emergency could save your life!
- Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able.
- Check water conditions – before heading to the coast. Visit metoffice.gov.uk for full surf reports in the UK.
- Wear a wetsuit of appropriate thickness for the amount of time you plan to spend in the water and the type of activity you’re doing, if entering.
- Wear a flotation device. It greatly increases your chances of making it through the initial shock.
4- On the beach
- Tide times
The beach is the ultimate playground, but the tide can come in surprisingly quickly, particularly around Spring and can leave people cut off by the rising water. To prevent this from becoming you ensure you have local tide times from the Harbourmaster or Tourist information centre or visit the Met office tide times remember to keep an eye on the direction of the tide from the beach and always more back if in doubt!
- Sunburn
We have all done it, got to the beach and thought we would be ‘ok’ without a bit of sunscreen, but Sunburn can really ruin your holiday and lead to sunstroke which is dangerous, particularly in the elderly and children.
Protect yourself by using a high-factor sunscreen 40+ for young children. It is a good idea to take a sunhat with you particularly during the hottest part of the day as there is no shade on the beach!
Fluid is vital and, in any weather, we suggest taking either a flask or a reusable bottle for your water with you to the beach – stay hydrated and plastic-free on your trip!
- Don’t leave a trace
By taking care of our beaches, we help the health of our oceans, and marine life, promote positive tourism, and sustain a clean and safe environment for all to enjoy! Make sure you plan your beach trip, bring everything you need with you and take everything you brought home!
Lots of rubbish ends up washed along the coastline, pick up and dispose of any pieces you find as eventually, it ends up in the food chain.
Remember to recycle when possible and take nothing but memories and photographs with you!
5- Donate to the ilfracombe lifeboat branch
Ilfracombe Fundraising Branch covers the North Devon coastal area. Their volunteer fundraisers help to provide the funding to support the work of our volunteer lifeboat crews who are available 24/7 for anyone who needs their help. The Ilfracombe Fundraising Branch is linked to Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station.
Keeping a modern fleet of lifeboats maintained, fuelled and ever ready to go to the rescue from all 33 South West lifeboat stations is expensive and relies entirely on voluntary donations to ensure this service is maintained. Add to that crew training and kit, and the pounds start to add up.
It costs an average of £158k to Run lifeboat stations in the South West. They rely on donations from you the public to continue saving lives at sea – your donation to this page will help support the running costs of stations in the South West including our lifeboats based in Ilfracombe and their volunteer crew.
We are very proud to volunteer and serve the community in Ilfracombe. We need your support to help keep saving lives. Thank you.”
the best luxury self-catering beachside apartments in North Devon!
From bed to beach in less than 4 minutes, you can book a stay in one of our luxury apartments in North Devon to make sure you are never far from the golden sands and crystal blue waters.
Byron Woolacombe Holidays, launched in July 2019, is an independent holiday letting agency designed specifically for Byron Woolacombe Holiday Apartments.
We aim to provide the highest standard of luxury self-catering accommodation and facilities in Woolacombe.
The apartments all have access to exclusive communal leisure facilities, such as indoor pool, sauna and games room.
2 Middlecombe
1 Woolacombe West
3 Challacombe
35% Discount for bookings in June with code JUN35!
20% Discount for bookings in July with code JULY20!
This beautiful, modern, ground floor, privately owned two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also ...
6 Challacombe
A fabulous new apartment to sleep up to 8 guests. A beautiful modern, first floor, four double bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also a large outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy taking in wonderful valley views.
17 Woolacombe East
This beautiful beach side apartment is a perfect couples retreat. With unique bespoke decor, this homely space offers everything you need including a fully equipped kitchen.
4 Putsborough
30% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE30!
A beautiful, modern, ground floor, two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space.
10 Middlecombe
Luxury apartment available on the top Floor of the Middlecombe Block at Byron Woolacombe with fabulous modern decor & open plan living space.
2022 DEAL!!! 10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE ALL YEAR ROUND! USE CODE 10OFF10
5 Middlecombe
20% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE20!
A first floor, beautiful modern, two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy the sea-views.
20 Woolacombe East
9 Middlecombe
Just minutes away from Woolacombe's award winning beach is Middlecombe 9. This beautifully furnished 2 bedroom apartment is positioned in a quiet location within the exclusive Byron development.
7 Middlecombe
7 Middlecombe, a mid-level beautiful beach-side Apartment, is the perfect couple or family retreat, which has the added option to bring along your four legged friend(s).
2 Rockham
20% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE20!
A beautiful modern, large two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your patio and terrace to enjoy. Perfect for guests with Dogs!
5 Challacombe
A fabulous apartment to sleep up to 8 guests. A beautiful modern, first floor, four double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also large outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy taking in wonderful valley views.
8 Woolacombe West
This frontline duplex apartment with far reaching views across Woolacombe bay and to Lundy Island. Woolacombe 8 enjoys a prime location to the front of the complex with incredible sea views from the open plan living area and master bedroom.
9 Putsborough
Perfect in all seasons, this stunning top floor sea view apartment is holiday heaven with many added luxuries such as Netflix, a PS4 Pro, Bose smart speaker, Nespresso coffee machine & a Smart TV in the master bedroom.
2 Challacombe
This beautiful, modern, ground floor, privately owned two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your patio to enjoy.
12 Woolacombe East
25% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE25!
A beautiful modern, privately owned, three bedroom duplex apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your balconies to enjoy.
4 Challacombe
This beautiful, modern, ground floor, privately owned two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your patio to enjoy.
7 Putsborough
A beautiful modern, first floor, privately owned two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy.
8 Middlecombe
40% Discount for arrivals between 1st - 30th June with code JUNE40!
20% Discount for arrivals between 1st - 22nd July with code JULY20!
Middlecombe 8 is set in a quiet location within the exclusive Byron development, just a 4 minute walk from the award winning Woolacombe ...
12 Putsborough
50% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE50!
30% July Discount Available - Visit our 'Special Offers' page USE CODE JULY30!
Situated in an enviable location in Byron, this luxury apartment offers generous accommodation coupled with ...
5 Putsborough
A beautiful modern, first floor, two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy.
11 Middlecombe
Set in it’s central position in the Byron complex, Middlecombe 11 enjoys a peaceful location.
4 Middlecombe
A ground floor, beautiful modern, two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your patio to enjoy.
6 Middlecombe
A first floor, beautiful modern, two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy.
1 Putsborough
25% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE25!
A tastefully designed, privately owned, ground floor apartment offering two stylish bedrooms and two contemporary bathrooms perfect for friends or families looking for a coastal retreat with style.
12 Middlecombe
Chosen for its quieter location, this light and airy luxury two double bedroom apartment is on the top floor with fabulous scenic views from the master bedroom. A larger than average open plan living area and your own private balcony gives you that extra space to relax. The apartment is dog friendly, ...
3 Putsborough
45% Discount for bookings 15th to 22nd July with code PUTS3JUL - 7 NIGHTS FOR JUST £988.61
10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS 1ST AUGUST - 31st AUGUST. USE CODE P3SUMMER10
A beautiful modern, ground floor, two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped ...
10 Woolacombe West
Spread over two floors. Woolacombe 10 boasts magnificent views over Woolacombe’s 3 miles of golden sands from the open plan living area and the master bedroom.
8 Challacombe
A beautiful modern, four double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also large outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy taking in wonderful sea and valley views.
1 Challacombe
Challacombe 1 is a beautiful modern, two double bedroom ground floor apartment with hillside views and large bifold doors opening onto a furnished patio area. This apartment would be ideal for families or couples as the perfect place to relax and unwind, set back from the main road.
4 Woolacombe West
This 3 bedroom duplex offers a home from home within Byron’s development and just a short stroll to the beach.
6 Putsborough
A beautiful modern, first floor, privately owned two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space via your balcony to enjoy.
6 Woolacombe West
This stunning duplex has been designed with style and comfort in mind, whether you like to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic from your private balcony, or enjoy the quiet of the courtyard this 3 bed apartment has it all.
10 Putsborough
Welcome to 10 Putsborough, a luxury 2-bedroom apartment available at Byron Woolacombe - and an ideal place to make your home-from-home whilst holidaying in Devon.
1 Middlecombe
20% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE20!
This beautiful sea-view Apartment is the perfect family retreat, with views to the beach from its own private terrace and space to dine outside listening to the waves relaxing on the terrace. This luxury apartment has ...
18 Woolacombe East
2 Putsborough
30% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE30!
A beautiful modern, ground floor, two double bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen and open plan living space, there is also outdoor space to enjoy via nearby communal leisure deck.
3 Woolacombe West
25% OFF IN JULY USING CODE JULY25!
This luxury penthouse apartment is unique and includes a large balcony overlooking the award winning beach. Take it easy and watch the surfers without getting out of bed! Bi-fold double glazed doors from the living area and main bedroom ...
11 Woolacombe West
Boasting incredible sea views from the open plan living area and master bedroom, this uniquely designed apartment offers luxurious, stylish living spread over two floors.
8 Putsborough
20% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE20!
20% July Discount Available - Visit our 'Special Offers' page USE CODE P8JUN20
20% in 2023 Discount Available - Visit our 'Special Offers' page USE CODE BYRON20%23
A ...
3 Middlecombe
2 Woolacombe West
2 Woolacombe is a beautiful fully furnished penthouse is complimented by a great balcony accessed from both the living room and bedroom, so you can enjoy relaxing to the sounds of the waves from sun up to sunset.
11 Putsborough
30% Discount for bookings in June with code JUNE30!
20% OFF July bookings until the 15th of July using discount code P11JUNE20
10% OFF July 15th - August 31st using discount code P11SUMMER10
A beautiful modern, top floor, privately owned two double bedroom ...
5 Rockham
This beautiful apartment is a perfect beachside couples retreat. It would also suit families of up to 4, as the apartment has a sofa bed.