East Suffolk Council

Ahead of the summer season, Waveney District Council, Sentinel Leisure Trust, the RNLI and the Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguard Corps are urging people to stay safe when visiting the beach and in particular, reminding people of the dangers of climbing on the new rock structures. 

Cllr Stephen Ardley, Waveney's cabinet member for Operational Partnerships said:

"As part of the South Beach coastal protection project, 20,000 tonnes of rock was positioned on the beach to form two major rock structures. Warning signs are present on these structures and whilst we cannot prevent people from climbing on the rocks, we can remind everyone of the importance of beach safety. Over 400 people drown in the UK each year, with approximately 60 of these being children and young people. We want people to enjoy our award-winning beaches whilst being mindful of the risks."

Vincent Pank, RNLI Lifeguard Manager said:

"The lifeguard service will operate on the beach to the south of the Claremont Pier from the end of May until September and there will also be a lifeguard presence situated between the Claremont Pier and the Hotel Hatfield with patrols to the Children's Corner area. These patrols will operate between July and September.

"However the lifeguards cannot be present all the time and we would encourage people to put safety first when visiting the beach. We would ask that people refrain from climbing on the rocks and instead use the lifeguard-patrolled area, which is the safest place to swim and will be marked by red and yellow flags."

The Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguard Corps will also be patrolling sections of the South Beach whenever possible.

The RNLI provides the following beach safety tips: 

• Always swim at a beach patrolled by lifeguards, between the red and yellow flags.
• Read the safety signs on arrival at the beach to help identify hazards.
• Young children should always be supervised at the beach. Agree a meeting point in case you become separated.
• Never swim alone.
• If you get into trouble in the sea, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
• If you see someone else in trouble, alert the lifeguard. If no lifeguard is present, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
• Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas.
• Don't go into the sea after drinking alcohol.
• Know your flags. Red and yellow flags indicate a lifeguard-patrolled area, whilst red flags indicate it is not safe to enter the water. Black and white chequered flags indicate safe areas for water sports such as surfing or kayaking. An orange windsock means there are strong offshore winds and inflatables should not be used. 

Visitors are also reminded to make sure all litter and glass is disposed of in the litter bins provided. 

Find out more at www.rnli.org