How to keep safe and stay alive whilst in the sea

ITV News

11-07-2025

Riptides are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches all across the world, and in the UK, over 60% of RNLI lifeguard incidents involve rip currents. So, Dr Zoe is joining us alongside the lifeguards at Hillingdon Lido with a live demonstration that could possibly save yours or someone else's life.
The Water Safety Code is:
1) Stop and Think - does it look safe, and are there lifeguards on duty? 2) Stay Together - never go swimming alone, and always have someone on the shore watching3) Call 999 if someone is in trouble - ask for the coast guard 4) Float if you find yourself struggling.
What should you bear in mind when planning a beach trip?
If possible, always swim at a lifeguarded beach. 'They will know exactly what to watch out for and they will sign where it is safe to swim.
Check tide times. 'It can be easy to get caught out if you're not careful.'
Always go with a friend, or with multiple responsible adults if you are with children. 'Someone should always be on the shore keeping an eye out, to get help if necessary.'
Red flag
Dangerous conditions, do not enter the water. This signifies a severe hazard, that water conditions are unsafe for swimming and other water activities, and people should not enter the water.
Red/Yellow flag
Lifeguard-patrolled swimming and body boarding zone. This shows the lifeguarded area and is the safest place to swim and bodyboard. It also signals that the lifeguards are on duty. ' Keep an eye on these flags throughout the day, as the lifeguards will move them as the current changes. A safe swimming area one day might not be the same the next day or even in the afternoon.'
Black and white chequered flag
Surfboard water craft zone. This shows the area for surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other non-powered craft. Never swim or bodyboard in this area.
What does an orange windsock signify?
No inflatables to be used in the water. The windsock shows the wind direction and indicates offshore or strong wind conditions. Never use inflatables when the windsock is flying - Hannah discourages inflatables at sea altogether. 'We don't recommend inflatables at the beach. Everyone wants to sit in an inflatable ring or the like, but what happens is the wind can catch that and it can be blown out to sea really quickly. Save them for the pool.'
What if you spot someone struggling?
1. Do not go in the sea to attempt a rescue: if you see someone in distress in the water, it can be a natural instinct to want to go in yourself to help them, especially if it's a parent seeing their child struggling - but this will put yourself at risk, and likely lead to two rescues needed.
2. Call for help and give specific information: find a lifeguard if you can, or call 999, ask for the coast guard and provide specific information:
+ The beach name, and where you are on the beach - offer specific landmarks if you can.
+ What is happening: how many people, how they are struggling, whether they are moving out to sea.
+ Identification descriptors for the person: what they are wearing, how far out they are.
3. Keep eyes on at all times: once you spot someone struggling, and have informed the lifeguards or coastguards, keep your eyes on them at all times, so as not to lose sight of them - it can be incredibly difficult to relocate someone in the water.
After a lifeguard or the coastguard performs a rescue, they will check the patient, and administer medical help if necessary. However, it is still important to stay vigilant after the event, especially in the instance of a self-rescue, where someone has managed to get themselves out of danger.