Summer holidays are here and the sun is out again (yay!), and that can mean only one thing here in Snowdonia – a trip to the beach! Heading to the coast is one of our favourite things to do, and we don’t think that a trip to our wonderful part of the world is complete without a day at the beach.

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However, beaches can be dangerous places so it’s essential to respect the water and the coastline whenever you visit. Here’s our handy guide to beach safety to make sure everyone has a fun, enjoyable and safe day at the beach…..

• Look out for lifeguarded beaches – highly trained professional lifeguards will be on hand to help keep you safe or assist in any emergency. Nearby lifeguarded beaches include Abersoch Beach and Morfa Nefyn, but check for details before heading out.
• If there are flags on the beach, read the signs and check which flags mean it’s safe to swim, and make sure you understand where the safest places to swim are.
• Be careful of currents – you’ll be able to spot them because the water will be moving fast and chaotically (like a mini-whirlpool). Stay away from these areas.
• Respect the rips – rips are strong currents running from the beach out to sea so they can easily pull you out to sea and under the water if you get stuck in a powerful one. If you do get stuck in one, try not to panic. If you can stand then wade back towards the shore. Raise your hand and shout loudly for help. Don’t try to swim back in against the rip, you won’t defeat it and you’ll get tired; the best thing to do is swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the rip zone and then swim back in.
• Watch out for the waves, they can be more powerful than you think so never underestimate them.
• Prepare before you go to the beach – if you can’t already swim then start the whole family on some swimming lessons.
• Beware of incoming tides – tides can come in fast and approaching water can cut you off if you’ve gone for a walk across the beach or are paddling in rockpools.
• British coastal waters can be unpredictable. So if the weather takes a turn, the currents become even a little stronger or you’re in any doubt, get out of the water.
• Be careful with inflatable toys and airbeds – these are really meant for enclosed swimming pools where you can’t be swept out to sea but if you are using one then stay close to the shore and make sure that children are very closely supervised.
• When you get to the beach, arrange a meeting point for the whole family, should any of you get separated – mobiles don’t always work on the beach!

Image by Alan Cole on freeimages.com