On the beach
For many people the beach is a place where they can relax, but it can also be quite a chaotic place, and the sea can be unpredictable. Read here for tips on reducing the risk of someone going missing.
With children
Always know where your child is.
This could be a beach pavilion or a flag. This will make it easier to recognise the place on the beach where you are based.
This could be a beach pavilion, for instance, or a lifeguard station. Agree to come to this place if you get separated, and that you will wait there until the other arrives.
The police and lifeguards can help in these situations.
You may be able to get a wristband from the lifeguard station.
Click here for the tips.
In the water
- Stay away from breakwater structures, such as dikes, poles, walls and piers.
- If you use water wings or an air mattress, beware of the risk of drifting out to sea. Never use flotation devices if the wind is blowing away from the shore, towards the sea.
- Fix a specific point on the beach to keep your bearings, like a beach pavilion or a flagpole. Then you’ll see whether you’ve drifted away.
- Always take a warning flag Never go swimming if there’s a red flag.
- If you’re caught in a strong rip current and have difficulties getting out of it, don’t try to swim against it but allow the current to carry you along. After a while, try swimming back to the beach at an angle.
Click here for more information on the website of the Dutch lifesaving brigade and see the illustration below for more tips.
