Our coasts offer unique and exhilarating experiences, whether that’s walking coast paths, rock pooling with the kids, taking a dip at a secluded bay or taking to the waters on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak. However, our coasts also present some challenges; strong winds affect the sea swell along the coast and shoreline and coupled with the rise and fall of the tide they could make your activity and/or progress along your chosen route a bit tricky and possibly risky. 

Making good decisions based on some simple steps can keep your day on track.

Tides

Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can easily catch you out if you haven’t checked them.  A beach that was clear yesterday at 5 pm might be completely covered in water at the same time today.  Tide times can also differ dramatically for sections of coast that are geographically quite close.

Although tides have a reputation for being unpredictable, they actually follow a timetable more reliable than most trains!  You can check the tide times for the location you are planning to visit by consulting https://www.tidetimes.org.uk

Spending time at the beach

A beach can seem like a vast playground but the tide can come in surprisingly quickly.

As the tide moves up and down the beach, the depth of the water changes throughout the day, sometimes by as much as 10 metres. As the tide comes in, simply walking further up the beach to where you accessed it is the safest option. If you are thinking about walking around a headland or outcrop of rocks to another cove, do so as the tide is going out and ensure you are back before the tide comes in again. If you don’t and the cove you’re in doesn’t have steps or access of its own, you could be in trouble.

So be AdventureSmart: Don’t get cut off by the tide, check the tide times

Walking at the coast

A coastal walk is a wonderful way to spend the day but there are some situations that need a little care to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience.

Open farmland/agricultural land where there may be farm animals, horses or crops

Farm animals and horses can be unpredictable.

⁃ If there are livestock, move quickly and quietly and if possible walk around the herd

⁃ Try not to startle cattle or horses with shouting or sudden movements and don’t run

⁃ Keep small children close and dogs under effective control around cows, sheep and horses – they may startle an animal accidentally

⁃ If cattle chase your dog, drop the lead, so that you can both head for safety

⁃ Avoid getting between cows and their calves

⁃ Don’t panic, most cattle will stop before they reach you. If they follow just walk on quietly

⁃ Don’t put yourself at risk. If you feel threatened by animals, move to the edge of the field and if possible find another way round

⁃ If approaching a horse and rider, let the rider know you are there before you get close and give them a wide berth when overtaking

⁃ If your dog is in difficulty in the sea, call for help – don’t enter the water after it. In an emergency call 999 – ask for the Coastguard

Cliff edges with big exposed drops to the sea and seashore below

Designated coastal paths generally keep you away from cliff edges and where they are close to the cliff edge, barriers are in place to heighten your awareness. However, you may also come across undesignated paths, created by curious onlookers to see what lies beyond, so keep on track and stick to the designated trail; it’s generally well-signposted and well-trodden.

Check the guidebook and/or local information for a detailed route description. Plot your route on your map before you set off and identify key features such as paths, fences, walls, streams etc. along your route so that you can look out for them during your walk to help track your progress.

Steep uneven ground

Coastal paths can be steep and the ground uneven.  It’s important to be aware of the challenges of your route and confident that you and your companions have the necessary skills, knowledge, fitness and ability.

⁃ Check the latest weather and if the weather or ground conditions are beyond your capabilities or equipment, consider your options – it’s ok to choose a more suitable route or to turn back

Cooling off in the water

The water temperature, air temperature (and the difference between them), your exposure to the sun during the day, the strength and direction of the wind and; the sea state and swell, should all be considered if you are thinking of taking a dip.

⁃ Don’t get cut off by the tides – check tide times (see Tides above)

⁃ Where possible choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

⁃ Avoid strong currents & if you are caught in a rip current, try to stand & wade, don’t swim.  If you can’t stand, swim parallel to the shore, raise your hand & shout for help

⁃ Make sure you can get out at the same point at which you got in or close by

⁃ Don’t overestimate your and your companion’s ability: know how far you and your companions can swim in the conditions for the day. If it is too rough, don’t go in

⁃ Even a light breeze from the land to the sea can sweep you further out to sea

⁃ When seas are rough, wave watch from a respectful distance – 15cm of water can knock you off your feet

⁃ If you are in difficulty in the water don’t panic, remember to float to live; cold water shock passes in less than 2 minutes, so relax & tilt your head back with your ears under water and use your hands to help you float until you can control your breathing. 

⁃ Don’t mix water with alcohol

Shortcuts across expanses of sand

There is usually a good reason why a path goes around a headland rather than across the beach and taking the tempting shortcut may not be a sensible option.  It is likely to be explained in the guidebook for the coast path or on signage at the location where your chosen route heads inland, so:

⁃ Follow the information provided in the guidebook or at your location

⁃ If it mentions that a shortcut is an option at certain states of the tide, you will need to know and understand the local tide times and how long the shortcut will take to ensure you have enough time to make it (see Tides above)

Spending time in or on the water

If your day includes water activities such as SUP, kayaking or open-water swimming then check out the AdventureSmart activity-specific advice.

Remember: Cold water shock passes in less than 2 minutes, so relax & tilt your head back with your ears under water and use your hands to help you float until you can control your breathing.