Our coastline attracts thousands of people every day, drawn by the health and wellbeing benefits of time spent by the sea. While we champion blue wellbeing, safety must always come first. Through genuine collaboration, our Beach & Water Safety Working Group works to reduce risk and support a safer coastal environment for all.
“The safe enjoyment of our coast and seas is something very dear to me, as I know it is for many of our members and partners. Our strength, as the LGA Coastal SIG, lies in bringing different people and sectors together in a meaningful, practical way to push for positive change. By working together, we can make our coasts and seas safer places to visit and enjoy – exactly as we want people to experience them. just as we want people to do. If you’re interested, why not come and join us?“
Cllr Derek Bastiman, LGA Coastal SIG Member Champion for Beach & Water Safety, Councillor at North Yorkshire Council
“Beach and water safety matters because our coastlines should be places people can enjoy safely. With growing environmental pressures, evolving education requirements and varied local approaches, there is a real opportunity to work more consistently and collaboratively. That opportunity and the dedication I see across the sector is why I am proud to help lead this work alongside our Member Champion.”
Bethany Handson, LGA Coastal SIG Officer Lead for Beach & Water Safety and Project Officer c/o South Tyneside Council
Report – Coastal & Estuarine Water Safety: A local authority perspective
England’s coasts and estuaries are vital places to live, work and visit, but they also present complex and evolving water safety risks. This report, produced by the Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group (LGA Coastal SIG), provides a local authority perspective on coastal and estuarine water safety and drowning prevention across England.
Drawing on a national survey of coastal councils and developed in collaboration with key sector partners, the report offers a snapshot of current practice, leadership and delivery. It highlights good practice already in place, alongside the challenges authorities face in sustaining and coordinating non‑statutory water safety activity in the context of limited resources.
The findings identify clear opportunities to strengthen leadership, improve consistency, and enhance partnership working at local and national level. Taken together, the report provides a baseline for action and sets out priorities to support safer coastal and estuarine environments for communities and visitors alike.
Where do I find further information?
For further information on projects linked to coastal adaptation please use the links below:
RNLI – Beach & Water Safety
Advice on how to stay safe at the coast, including beach flags, rip currents and what to do in an emergency.
🔗 https://rnli.org/safety
HM Coastguard
Information on coastal emergencies and when to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
🔗 https://hmcoastguard.uk
RoSPA – Water Safety
Independent safety advice on preventing accidents in and around water.
🔗 https://www.rospa.com/road-safety/water
#RespectTheWater
Respect the Water is a national safety campaign that highlights the hidden dangers of open water and encourages people to enjoy the coast responsibly. While the sea can offer significant health and wellbeing benefits, it is powerful and unpredictable. Cold water, strong currents, tides and waves can quickly turn a pleasurable experience into a dangerous situation.
The campaign promotes simple, life‑saving advice to help people understand risk, make safer choices, and know what to do if things go wrong. By respecting the water and preparing for changing conditions, everyone can enjoy the coast more safely.
Float to Live
If you unexpectedly fall into the water or get into difficulty, the Float to Live advice can help save lives.
Cold water shock can cause an instinctive gasp and rapid breathing, making it hard to swim or stay afloat. Floating allows your body to recover and gives you time to regain control.
If you are in trouble in the water:
- Tilt your head back with your ears in the water
- Relax your body and spread your arms and legs
- Try to control your breathing
- Float on your back until you feel calmer
- Once calm, signal for help or swim to safety if you can
Floating helps counter panic and exhaustion and keeps your airway clear until help arrives or you are able to move safely.