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Beaches and the coast

Water safety

In the water beware of

  • fast moving tides 
  • personal powered watercraft
  • kite and windsurfers 
  • underwater hazards such as large debris that may not be visible
  • cold water shock

Remember float to live

If you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember to call, tell and throw

  • call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
  • tell the person to float to live
  • throw them something that floats, such as a life ring. Life rings can be found along the North Somerset coastline
  • float - If you find yourself in trouble in the water, relax and float like a starfish with your head back and your ears submerged

How to float in water - 5 easy steps

Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs as this can greatly impact your ability to swim.

Cold water shock and hidden currents

Even in the height of summer, the waters in England remain cold enough to induce cold water shock. This is the body’s involuntary response to being suddenly immersed into cold water. It can cause you to gasp for breath, inhale water, and panic which can lead to drowning. 

Hidden currents can make it difficult to swim back to shore, even for the strongest swimmers.

Water conditions can change quickly. Be aware that weather can cause the ground to become unstable or increase water currents. These can be fatal.

Lifeguards and how to find your location

Please note - there is no lifeguard service in operation on any of the beaches in North Somerset. 

In an emergency situation, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

Be specific with your location

If you need to direct emergency services to you, look for local landmarks. 

These may include

  • RNLI safety signs installed along the seafront in Clevedon and   Weston-super-Mare
    • these signs include handy location references starting with NST
  • use the What3Words tool to help the emergency services find your exact location quickly

Do not approach the water at low tide

North Somerset has the second highest tidal range in the world. 

When the tide is out, do not attempt to walk out to the sea. There is soft sand and sinking mud, which can be dangerous if you become stuck. 

The tide can come in very fast here, so don’t get caught out.

Useful information

In a coastal emergency, you should always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

If you’re looking for advice about staying safe at the beach, coast and sea visit these websites:

Weather and tide times