Stay safe this summer on beaches

THE importance of one of the major hazards at sea is stressed this week as the hot weather sees more people heading for the award-winning beaches in Lowestoft and Southwold.

THE importance of one of the major hazards at sea is stressed this week as the hot weather sees more people heading for the award-winning beaches in Lowestoft and Southwold.

The Journal and Waveney District Council have joined forces to help people to Stay Safe This Summer by issuing important information and advice.

And each week reminders will go out highlighting some of the key points of the campaign, to help keep people Beach Safe this summer.

This week's safety message is from lifeguard Kieran Cunningham.

'Rip currents are strong currents running out to the sea that can easily take swimmers from shallow water out beyond their depth. They are found round structures like piers and groynes and are especially powerful in larger surf.

'You can spot a rip current by the following signs; discoloured brown water caused by sand stirred up from the seabed, foam on the water's surface, debris floating out to sea and a rippled patch of sea when the water around is generally calm.'

He said that people need to remember the three R's to help get out of trouble: relax - stay calm and float, do not swim against the current, swim across it; raise your arm and signal and shout for help; rescue - float and wait for assistance, don't panic and obey directions from the lifeguard.