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10 Commandments of Surf Safety

• Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards

• Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest areas to swim

• Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised

• Read the signs. If a beach is closed, don't swim there

• If you are unsure of the surf conditions ask a lifeguard or lifesaver

• Don't swim directly after a meal

• Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Don't run or dive into the water before checking the conditions

• Float with a rip current or undertow, don't swim against it

• If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic, raise one arm, call for help and float until assistance arrives

Remember the F-L-A-G-S and stay safe this summer…

F Find the flags and swim between them - the red and yellow flags mark the safest place to swim at the beach.

L Look at the safety signs - they help you identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach.

A Ask a surf lifesaver for some good advice - surf conditions can change quickly so talk to a surf lifesaver or lifeguard before entering the water.

G Get a friend to swim with you - so you can look out for each other's safety and get help if needed. Children should always be supervised by an adult.

S Stick your hand up for help - if you get into trouble in the water, stay calm, raise your arm to signal for help. Float with a current or rip - don't try and swim against it.

Teignmouth Beach Safety Information

Teignmouth's beach has some aspects of danger that other beaches might not have.  Here is a list of those dangerous areas.

• The Pier, which is a fantastic entertainment venue, but should never be jumped from, climbed up or drove through (i.e. Jet skis & boats).
• Boating Lane/Craft Area.  On the left side of the pier, this area is identified by the signs and yellow buoys.  It is not safe to swim in this area as it is in constant use by boats and jet skis. 
• Sandbar.  The Sandbar on the right side of pier is dangerous due to high tides when walkers and swimmers are cut off from the main beach and regularly need rescuing.
• Estuary.  The River Teign runs straight into the sea here and has a strong current.  It is also used by many ships/boats including large commercial ships which will not be able to stop for swimmers.

Beach Flags

These flags are used by lifeguards when on duty to denote the different areas of the water that are to be used by swimmers and those using surf boards or surf craft:

Rip Currents

A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water which then returns to sea, causing a drag effect. The larger the surf, the stronger the rip. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water.

Identifying a Rip

The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip:

• darker colour, indicating deeper water
• murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom
• smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves)
• waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip
• debris floating out to sea
• a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm

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