Beach Patrol gearing up for summer season

Beach Patrol 2024

Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Beach Patrol is gearing up for the summer season – and encouraging visitors to the Essex Sunshine Coast to Respect the Water.

People are being reminded to obey basic safety rules when visiting the coastline: following advice from warning flags; not swimming near, around or under structures such as piers, groynes and breakwaters; knowing their depth, being wary of sudden drops in the sea floor, and being aware of tides and currents; and not swimming while drunk.

This year will see a changed approach to Beach Patrol coverage along the beaches between Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze; patrols along Princes Esplanade in Walton; and a presence to the East side of Clacton Pier.

These are part of the existing coverage provided in Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Frinton, Walton and Clacton by the service.

The changes are among the recommendations made following a review of the service by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), and TDC is putting in place some of the short-term measures while it considers the wider feedback.

Due to the Easter holidays being early this year, Beach Patrol will not begin operations until the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend, which is also the start of school’s summer half-term break.

This allows the team more time for training and preparations for what is hoped will be a busy summer along the Essex Sunshine Coast.

RNLI – sea safety

The RNLI are experts on sea safety. Whether you’re heading to the beach, to the coast, or out to sea, They have put together essential safety advice so you can make the most of your time on the water.

RNLI boat at sea

Heading down to the coast or out on the water is a great way to have fun and stay active. But, if you’re not careful, it’s a lot easier to get into trouble in the water than you might think. Conditions can change quickly and, if you’re not prepared, you can easily get caught out.

The RNLI are sea safety experts that have collated all their advice in one place, so you can find the information you need to make the most out of your time at the coast. Whether you’re going to the beach, exploring the coast, or venturing out onto the water, there’s a host of sea safety advice to help you stay safe.

Thinking of going kayaking? Angling? Surfing? The RNLI safety experts have created activity guides covering a whole range of watersports and hobbies, so you can prepare yourself properly for the challenges of your chosen activity. There’s even advice for your dog!

If you’re looking for water safety activities for kids, check out Swim Safe – a free summer water safety session for children aged 7-14. They have also put together some beach safety advice to help you find a safe place to enjoy the sun, sand and sea in the summer.

For those after more detailed advice on RNLI sea safety, you can find some specialist sessions that provide in-depth guidance and cover a range of safety topics at www.rnli.org

For more information on visiting our coastline click the links below:
Tendring’s seafronts & beaches
Beach safety
Tide tables
Public launching ramps
Beaches with animal bans
Changing places for disabled people
Cycling on our seafront promenades
School trips to the beach
Clacton seafront & garden walk
Beach huts