In an emergency at the coast
Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you are deaf or have a speech impairment, you can send an emergency SMS.
Emergency at the coast
Call 999 - ask for the Coastguard
Like the police, fire and ambulance, we’re an emergency service with the same 999 number.
Stay safe
Know where the dangers lie
Whatever your reason for being at the coast, there are dangers where you wouldn't expect them.
Your Coastguard
Join the Coastguard Rescue Service
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and our teams are on call 24/7 to help keep people safe.
Our safety advice
Beach
The beach can be fun for everyone, but there are still dangers to be aware of and things to consider.
Check out our beach safety advice for top tips on staying safe.
Coast
The UK's coast is a beautiful place to explore but are you aware of the risks?
Find out more about staying safe at the coast.
Sea
There are many ways to enjoy the sea, from paddleboarding to swimming.
Check out our sea safety advice for top tips on staying safe.
Onboard
From motorboats to yachts, there’s a lot to consider on board in order to keep crew and passengers safe.
Our onboard safety advice will ensure you are well prepared.
Recreational boating safety campaign
We've teamed up with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) on an important safety campaign for boat owners to refresh their skills and help prepare vessels for the new boating season. We're encouraging the boating community to ‘Reduce the risk, boost your skills’.
We do more than you'd think
HM Coastguard is much more than a 999 emergency service. Learn more about how we protect people, our coast and the environment.