Water Safety at Milford on Sea

Heading to Milford on Sea and the coast can be a wonderful place to be but the sea can also be dangerous and unpredictable. We have put together this document with advice from the RNLI as to how best to keep you and your family safe while visiting us.

By following these simple steps can help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to the seaside:

How can I stay safe at the coast?

1. Keep you and your family back from the water’s edge.
2. Always check tide times so you don’t get cut off.
3. Keep an eye out for local warning signs.
4. If you’re in trouble in the water, float to live.
5. In an emergency dial 999 for the Coastguard.

How to Float to Live

1. Fight your instinct to thrash around
2. Lean back, extend your arms and legs
3. If you need to, gently move them around to help you float
4. Float until you can control your breathing
5. Only then call for help or swim to safety

How can I stay safe on cliffs?

When walking or running along cliff tops at the coast, you need to be aware of the hazards. Cliffs may look safer than they are.

1. Check the weather conditions before your trip.
2. Watch for warning signs that point towards dangerous areas.
3. Stay away from the edge at all times.
4. Always keep your dog on a lead.
5. In an emergency, dial 999 and call for help.

Sea Safety

At Milford on Sea, the beaches do not have lifeguards so extra care is needed when swimming here. You need to understand the sea especially rips, which are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly take you from the shallows out of your depth.

Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip please follow the advice:

1. Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
2. If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
3. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
4. Always raise your hand and shout for help.

A beach can seem like a vast playground but the tide can come in surprisingly quickly. Getting cut off by the tide contributes to a significant number of RNLI rescues every year. Because tide times and heights vary throughout the month, a beach that was clear yesterday at 5pm might be completely covered in sea at the same time today.

Tides have a reputation for being unpredictable, but really they follow a timetable more reliable than most trains! So please check out the tide times by checking tide apps, weather news or local websites. Our website has its own Tide Times section in the footer, which takes you through to this website Hurst Point Tide Times.

It’s also good to consider the strength of waves whilst at the seaside as only 15cm of water can knock you off your feet. If it looks rough, don’t go in as rip currents can easily drag you under and carry you out into deeper water. Plus also be aware of cold water shock as anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement. Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C. If you are entering the water for an activity for a considerable length of time, it is advisable to wear a wetsuit.
And at Milford on Sea children must be supervised at all times especially as lifeguards are not present. So please follow this advice whilst visiting us to ensure you enjoy a safe time.