Father and sons walking along coastal path in summer

Coastal safety

Coastal safety

blue chair
Beach
yellow cliff icon
Coast
Blue sea icon
Sea
blue boat icon
Onboard
blue phone icon
Resources
Coastal safety tips:
Tip 1
Check the weather and tides
Tides follow a predictable pattern, check before you leave home
Tip 2
Stay clear of cliff edges and bases
Cliffs are unstable and rocks can fall at any time
Tip 3
Keep your dog on a lead
If they fall down a cliff do not go after them, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Tip 4
Share your plans
Tell someone where you're going and what time you’ll be back, note down your exact start and end locations. If you do not return as planned they can raise the alarm
Tip 5
Carry a charged mobile phone
Things can go wrong unexpectedly so always keep a means of calling for help with you
If you get in trouble at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Cliff people

Tidal cut off

The UK has some of the biggest tidal ranges in the world which can easily catch you out. Most coastal locations experience two high tides and two low tides each day, with the water depth changing by as much as 10 metres. Tide times and heights vary throughout the month – luckily, tides follow a predictable pattern so it’s easy to plan your coastal visit.

Rapidly rising water can trap you in isolated bays, coves or on sand bars, often with little or no warning and no easy escape route.

 

Reduce the risks:

  • Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home.
  • Take a mobile phone and make sure it’s charged.
  • Explore as the tide is going out and make sure you have time to get back as it comes in.
  • Make sure you know where all the exit points are, if you're visiting a beach or bay.
  • Keep an eye on which direction the tide is heading. Walking further along may not be an option as the water can come in along channels and block your way.
  • Tell someone where you are going and what time you’ll be back, especially if you're going alone.
  • If you get trapped by the tide, try to find a safe location and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

Avoid being cut off by the tide

View from a HM Coastguard rescue helicopter. A winch operator assists a person in trouble in the water Watch now
female coastguard

Cliff and coastal walking

Cliffs can be more unstable than they look, cliff falls or landslides happen without warning.

Reduce the risks:

  • Stay well back from cliff edges.

  • Take note of warning signs.

  • Be aware that strong gusts of wind may affect your balance and can be fatal

  • Stick to the signposted coastal paths – avoid informal or unsigned paths leading down to beaches as these can be dangerous.

  • Wear suitable shoes and clothing, and take food and water. 

  • Take a fully charged mobile phone with you.

  • Be extra careful in the dark and if paths are slippery.

  • Never climb a cliff as a shortcut to the top.
  • Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back.
  • If you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Dog walking

Canine companions love going for ‘walkies’ and not much beats a trip to the coast. But sadly, many dogs die each year after running over cliff edges. Dogs are easily distracted by all the exciting sounds and smells on a coastal walk and often may want to chase a bird or an animal.

It's safer to keep your dog on a lead when out walking along the coast. It’s also better for the local wildlife, especially during spring and summer when ground nesting birds are breeding at the coast.

 

Reduce the risks:

  • Always keep dogs on a lead at the coast, especially near cliff edges. 
  • If they get stuck on a ledge, in mud or swept out to sea, don’t go after them - most dogs make it back safely, but you might not.
  • Call your dog from a place of safety to keep them oriented and help them get back to you.  
  • In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Stay in a safe place so coastguard rescue teams can locate you.

Selfies and photography

The cliffs on the coast may seem like a good spot to get the perfect selfie and it may be tempting to venture close to the edge, but a sudden slip or strong gust of wind can have tragic consequences.

Stormy conditions can look exciting but all it takes is one wave to drag you out to sea - a dramatic photograph or selfie is not worth risking your life for.

 

Reduce the risks:

  • Stay away from cliff edges.
  • Take note of warning signs.
  • Stay away from sea walls and coastal areas in severe weather conditions.
 

Don't risk your life for a selfie

Animated image showing the feet of someone stood on a crumbling cliff edge Watch now
Mud rescue

Mud and quicksand

Mud and quicksand can be dangerous as once you’re stuck, it’s incredibly difficult to get out without help from trained rescuers. As well as the danger of sinking, there’s also a risk of drowning because of rising water levels and tides.  

Reduce the risks:

  • Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home.
  • Look out for and follow the advice on warning signs.
  • Avoid crossing estuaries and walking through mud where there can be hidden channels of fast-flowing water.
  • If you do get trapped, sit back to spread your weight evenly across the surface.
  • Stop others from trying to help you, as they might get stuck too.
  • If you get stuck, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.

Rocks and caves

Rocks and caves might seem like fun places to explore, but there are dangers that can catch you out. 

Reduce the risks:

  • Follow advice from warning signs.
  • Check the weather forecast and tide times before going out, to avoid getting caught out by the tide.
  • Try coasteering with a registered provider. They will provide the necessary training and equipment to make the experience both safe and enjoyable.
  • It’s best to start exploring as the tide is going out and always allow enough time to get back.
  • Avoid slippery and unstable rocks.
  • Be careful around sea caves so you do not get trapped by the tide.
  • Avoid jumping from rocks in and around caves, which can be dangerous and lead to serious injury.
  • Avoid climbing up cliffs - cliffs are unstable and rocks can fall at any time.
  • In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
A sign on the edge of a pier that reads 'no jumpinng or diving'

Tombstoning

Tombstoning is a high-risk activity where people jump or dive from height into water, often from piers, jetties, cliffs and bridges. Changing tides and water depth, submerged items and cold water shock can cause death or life changing injuries. 

Submerged hazards like rocks may not be visible, and water may be shallower than it seems. Also, once in the water it may be impossible to get out. 

Reduce the risks:

  • Do not jump.
  • Instead, try coasteering with a registered provider. They will provide the necessary training and equipment to make the experience both safe and enjoyable.
  • Never go into water while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or peer pressure.
Report a problem with this page

Help us improve hmcoastguard.uk

Don't include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.