Beach Safety

Advice for beach users

Swim at Lifeguard-supervised beaches - these are safer
Do not swim when the red flag is flying
Obey the lifeguards' advice and read warning notices before entering the sea
Be aware of the cold, and wear suitable clothing
Do not swim straight after a meal
Alcohol and water sports do not mix
Children should be supervised at all times
Do not dig in or climb on the cliffs, and keep clear of sand dunes
Please take your litter home

Water safety advice

Never swim, sail or take part in a water sport alone. Always tell someone of your whereabouts
Check local conditions before going into open water
Wear suitable clothing for your activity and keep all equipment in good condition
Be courteous and polite to other water users, and be aware of possible dangers
Do not climb on or swim close to breakwaters or piers
Keep an eye on your children - know where they are at all times

Motorized and powered craft

Obey the seaside byelaws, do not exceed the speed limit and act responsibly
Be considerate to other water users. Do not enter swimming zoned areas
Keep well away from swimmers at all times
Keep out of the way of shipping and learn the "rules of the road"
Listen to the radio weather forecast, and check local sea conditions and times of tide with the Coastguard
Keep an eye on each other and report anybody in trouble as soon as possible. Learn how to help and carry out self rescue
Please park your towing vehicle with consideration, and DO NOT OBSTRUCT ACCESS FOR OTHER USERS OR THE EMERGENCY SERVICES
Water skiers - do not dry launch from the beach
Please use the preferred launching sites
Cars are not permitted on the beaches

A code of conduct for all

Stay away from wildlife areas, especially at nesting-time
Please do not wave jump or water-ski in the launch area
Avoid conflict with other beach users
Swimmers - KEEP CLEAR OF BOAT LAUNCHING AREAS
Noise from powered craft can disturb people on the beach - BE CONSIDERATE AND KEEP WELL AWAY
Remember - noise travels much further during onshore winds, so keep well offshore
Offshore winds can blow you out to sea - BE CAREFUL

Useful Telephone numbers:

Royal Yachting Association (01703) 627499
British Marine Indst. Fed. (01784) 473377
Environment Agency (Rec. & Nav.) (01454) 624376
Police Headquarters Norwich (01603) 768769
Police North Walsham(01692) 402222
Police Cromer (01263) 512211
Police Wells (01328) 862211
Downtide Marine (01263) 768813
North Norfolk District Council (01263) 513811
Beach Office & Lifeguard Cromer (01263) 511475
Beach Office & Lifeguard Sheringham (01263) 823969
Lifeguard Mundesley (01263) 722236
Norfolk Coast Project (01328) 711533
King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council (01485) 532516
Great Yarmouth Borough Council (01493) 856100
Coastguard Great Yarmouth (01493) 851338
Coastguard Wells (01328) 710219

A copy of the bylaws can be obtained from:

North Norfolk Tourist Information Centres
Lifeguards Stations
Beach Inspector Offices