The North Sea Coast has many wonderful beaches. Read the following bathing guidelines before enjoying life on the beach and in the water.
Bathing guidelines
1. Learn to swim
Bathing at the beach can be dangerous especially if you dan’t know how to swim. If you decide to take to the water regardless, you should find a place where you can touch the bottom and where the water is calm to stay out of trouble.
2. Never bath alone
If you stay with at leas tone other person in the water, you can keep an eye out for each other and react quicker if one of you encounters problems. This increases the safety of all of you. If you visit the beach with a lifeguard tower, it is recommended taht you swim in the area between the red/yellow flags. Where it is monitored by lifeguards. Avoid dangerous games in the water and do not shout for help for fun.
3. Learn to read the wind and water conditions
Before swimming, you should check the depth, current and wind direction. Offshore winds will quickly carry inflatable toys, rubber boats and air mattresses out to sea. The water is colder by the coast and there may be an abundance of stinging jellyfish about. Onshore winds increase the chances of rip currents. If you are caught in a rip current, it is important that you remail calm and allow yourself to be pulled out by the current. This way, you will have the energy needed to swim to the side and towards the shore when the current passes.
4. Familiarise yourself with the beach
You must be extra careful if you are swimming somewhere new to you. Ask the locals or a lifeguard if there are conditions you should be aware of before entering the water.
5. Don’t lose sight of children
Even older children who are good swimmers in a swimming pool can easily end up in trouble in the sea’s waves and currents. You should therefore keep a good eye on children on the beach and make sure that you do not get distracted. Stay close to them so that you can hear each other and you can take action if necessary.
Learn more about other important things to know about the dangers of the water.
Source: TrygFonden Kystlivredning
