Skegness - Safety on the beaches

Imagine - a glorious day, shining sun, a family, the children playing, building sandcastles from hot dry sand. Mom and dad dozing after a satisfying lunch. Ice creams are being sold on the promenade, somewhere in the distance behind. Donkeys conveying excited children tread soft sand, somewhere to the left. The gentle splashing of light waves on wet shingle and sand can be heard, .providing a relaxing pulsating hissing sound just over the brow of a small sand-hill.

Older brother takes his brand new bright coloured inflatable sun-bed to cool off in the sea. Bobbing on top of the cool surf, he gently paddles with both hands to clear the shallow water. He is so relaxed that he has no knowledge of the light westerly breeze, the outgoing tide and the northerly current in the sea - that is until he realises that he is now far from the beach and safety. As the distance between the boy and the beach increases, he notices an increase in wind speed which now, coupled with tide and current is rapidly pushing him toward the horizon. He feels the temperature falling and a sudden fear. He shouts for help, but no one can hear him, he is now too far from the shoreline and just an insignificant object in the sea.

Mom and dad, doze, younger brother admires his sand sculpture, soon to asks his parents to admire his architecture.

Now imagine that shortly, the family will return home, short of one son who they will never see again.............

This scenario is fiction, but regrettably similar incidents have happened - in fact the afternoon this text was written, two persons were successfully rescued from the sea on August 23rd 2005.

The beaches are safe and accidents are avoidable. Please take a little time to read this page and perhaps imagine returning home, knowing that a member of your family is missing!

Lets take a looks at the warning flags supporting the most popular beaches:

The Flags:

	DANGER - DO NOT ENTER THE SEA
	AREA PATROLLED BY LIFEGUARD - SAFE TO SWIM WITH CARE
	BOATS / SURFERS - DO NOT SWIM IN THIS AREA
	(WINDSOCK) DANGEROUS OFF-SHORE WIND CONDITIONS

What to do and what NOT to do:

Keep your children in sight at all times. Our recommendation is to NEVER take an inflatable toy into the sea at Skegness irrespective of conditions - there are plenty of small shallow creeks which are reasonable safe to use with care.

Consider agreeing a meeting point with your children, perhaps a prominent land mark, just in case they get lost. If you cannot find them, or a person is missing, or you suspect an incident, notify a lifeguard or DIAL 999 and ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD. If the person is found - be sure to notify whoever you have contacted to avoid an un-necessary and perhaps comprehensive search.

Swimming in the sea at Skegness:

We have very strong tidal currents at Skegness and we do not recommend swimming out of depth. If you get into difficulties try not to panic, do not try to swim against the current but "flow with it", gradually working back to the shore until you are within your depth and then wade to shore. Shout, raise an arm to raise alarm.

There are several timber "break waters" on Skegness beaches, avoid swimming near any such structure. Beware of swimming near Skegness Pier, there may be old submerged remains from the original structure. Avoid swimming at all after drinking alcohol.

To the north several fresh water drains flow into the sea via clearly marked tunnels. Avoid swimming in these areas.

Cut off by an incoming tide:

At Skegness it is very unlikely that you would be "cut off" by an incoming tide, unless careless enough to swim to a sandbank at low tide (most undesirable and probably lethal!). If in doubt keep the sea to your right side and proceed forwards (i.e. in a northerly direction).

Mud on the Beach:

Occasionally migrating mud may be found under the sand, particularly in creeks at low tide. While this is not "quick-sand" it may be distressing to find find the ground soft and sinking. If encountered, do not continue, but carefully return in the direction approached. this is not a common occurrence and treated carefully is not dangerous.

Check the tide times:

Skegness Tide Tables can be found at a small kiosk close to the Compass Gardens, adjacent to the Clock Tower. Tide information is also broadcast at frequent intervals on BBC Radio Lincolnshire (94.9 mz.) and in the local newspaper "Skegness Standard".

Sun-Block:

Don't forget, light coloured sand is reflective and the risk of sun-burn is increased. Wear factor 15 sun cream or above, plus protective clothing over the mid-day period.

Dogs:

Certain areas of Skegness beaches carry restrictions for the exercising of dogs. Please click this link for more information

Our thanks to H.M. Coastguard for help in producing this page for more information please visit:
https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/c4/seasmart/index.htm