RNLI: ENJOY COASTAL WALKS SAFELY

Coastal walking in the UK and Ireland offers unparalleled natural beauty and adventure. By being mindful of potential hazards and following these safety guidelines, you can ensure that your coastal explorations remain enjoyable and low risk.

The UK and Ireland have a combined coastline of around 15,000 miles, with a wide range of stunning landscapes to explore. From wild cliffs, to golden beaches to serene marshland, it’s no surprise millions of us flock to the shores each year. Coastal walking is a safe activity most of the time and an excellent opportunity to exercise and enjoy spending time outdoors. However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Slips and falls from walking and running are the biggest cause of death on our coastlines. The latest statistics have also shown a 15% rise in tidal cut off rescues. Please follow our guidance so you can stay safe on your next coastal walk.

In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard. If you are inland ask for the Fire & Rescue service.

“Some of the main reasons people get into difficulty when coastal walking or running are slips, trips and falls. Along with their dogs getting into difficulty and being cut off by the tide” – Abby, RNLI Beach Guard

Check the weather and tides

Having awareness of weather and tides before we go for a walk are an essential part of coastal safety.

Avoid high winds

Coastal walking is a fairly safe activity, but can become hazardous in poor weather conditions. High winds, especially gusts over 30 to 40 mph, can affect your balance near cliff edges. Wind speeds above 50 mph make walking challenging, and above 70 mph, it can become extremely difficult. Plan your walk on days with mild weather and be aware that higher elevations are windier.

Check the tide

The UK has some of the largest tidal ranges in the world. Be aware of tide times to avoid getting stranded or cut off. The tide can come in really quickly without warning, so be sure that you’re walking through tidal areas when the tide is going out. Most coastal locations have two low tides and two high tides per day which are fairly predictable because they’re linked to the cycles of the moon. Consult tide tables to ensure you won’t be caught out by rising waters.

For more information on tides, including the difference between a spring tide and a neap tide, please refer to our guidance on understanding tides.

“Always check the weather and tides. Getting cut off by the tide is a common cause of lifeboat launches. Especially large spring tides” – Abby, RNLI Beach Guard

Try to walk in daylight / pick an appropriate time

It’s safest to undertake coastal walks during daylight hours. Starting your walk early enough to finish before dark ensures better visibility, reducing the risk of injury and making it easier for rescuers to locate you if needed.

Stay away from the edge of the path

Coastal paths can be unstable due to erosion and landslides. Stay well away from cliff edges and heed any warnings or signage. Sometimes a seemingly safe piece of coast path can disappear in the blink of an eye. Although it’s tempting to get close for a photo or peer over the edge, the risks of falling or being caught by sudden gusts of wind and landslides outweigh the benefits. Stay back to stay safe.

“Be wary of all edges around the sea cliffs and waterside. Slips, trips and falls happen in all locations; it is not just high cliff edges that are a risk” – Abby, RNLI Beach Guard

Keep your dog on a lead

Dogs add to the enjoyment of coastal walks, but they are also at risk near cliff edges or fast flowing rivers or seas. Keep your dog on a lead to prevent them from wandering too close to dangerous areas. If your dog does get into difficulty, do not attempt a rescue yourself; most dogs manage to return to safety on their own. Don’t put your life at risk by attempting to save them. Instead, move to a place they can get to safely.

If you’re worried, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Don’t take shortcuts

As tempting as it can be to take shortcuts, they significantly increase the risks on your walk. Climbing a cliff as a shortcut to the top of a section of path can lead to small landslides and a risk of falling. Straying onto unmarked sections of path also increases your risk of coming across unstable ground. Sticking to familiar signposted routes is always the safest option.

Be cautious when exploring

With plenty of hidden gems to discover on the coastline, exploring is part of the fun of coastal walking. However it also increases the chances of accidents. Familiarise yourself with these risks to avoid getting into trouble.

Quicksand and mud

Quicksand and mud are commonly found in tidal areas including estuaries, tidal flats, and salt marshes. The ground in these areas may appear firm but can quickly become unstable, especially during changing tides. Before setting out, research your route and be aware of areas known for quicksand and mud. Stick to well-trodden paths and avoid venturing into unknown or unmarked areas, particularly near estuaries and tidal flats. Plan your walk to avoid high tides, which can increase the risk of encountering quicksand and mud. If you are caught out, keep calm, lie back and spread your weight. Call 999 to request the coastguard’s assistance and prevent others from trying to help in case they get stuck too.

Keep your dog on a lead

If you’re worried, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Don’t take shortcuts

Be cautious when exploring

Quicksand and mud

Rocks and caves

Whilst rocks and caves add to the natural beauty of coastal landscapes, they require careful navigation to ensure safety. If you wish to go cave exploring, it’s best to do so with a registered coasteering provider. Stay away from rocks and caves unless the tide is going out, to avoid risk of being trapped or swept out to sea. Rocks are also very slippy once wet, so it’s best to avoid them. It is easy to injure yourself in these areas, so be sure to tread carefully. If you get into difficulty call 999 and request help from the coastguard.

Swimming

Going for a dip during a coastal walk is a refreshing way to cool down, however swimming comes with risks of its own and people often get into difficulty. Stick to swimming at lifeguarded beaches between 10 am and 6 pm when there are lifeguards on duty. Swim between the red and yellow flags to avoid rip currents and getting in the way of other water users.

Before entering the water, familiarize yourself with how to stay safe by reading our swimming safety guidance. Be sure you understand the risks of rip currents and what to do if you get caught in one.

Avoid tombstoning

Every year the RNLI is called to rescue people who are injured after tombstoning from the rocks. Tombstoning is jumping into the water from a height and is a high-risk activity. Due to the UK’s huge tidal ranges, a spot can become more or less dangerous depending on the height of the tide. However, even when there is enough water there are often hidden objects like rocks or sand banks which may cause injury. A spot which was once safe to jump into can quickly become unsafe. It is also much easier to get into the water than to get out of it, especially if there is wind or waves. The only way to ensure safety is to avoid tombstoning altogether, unless you are coasteering with a registered provider. They will provide the necessary training and equipment to make it a safe and enjoyable experience.

Tell someone where you’re going

Sharing coastal walks with others always makes them more enjoyable. Plan to walk with friends, a local walking group, or at least one other person. This not only enhances the experience but also ensures there is help available if you encounter any difficulties.

If you can’t find someone to walk with, be sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. That way, they can raise the alarm if you don’t make it back on time.

Never walk alone without your phone or a way to call for help if needed.

Take your phone with you

Always carry your phone while coastal walking to ensure you can call for help if you run into trouble. Use a waterproof pouch to protect your phone from the elements while keeping it accessible. In case of an emergency on the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. If you’re inland, call 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue service.

What to do if you get into danger

Even with proper preparation, things can still go wrong. The most important thing is to stay calm so you can think clearly and stay safe.

Float to Live: If you unexpectedly end up in the water, float on your back with your ears submerged. Calm your breathing and relax until you recover from the initial shock.

Call for help: Use your phone or communication device to raise the alarm. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, or if you are inland, ask for the Fire & Rescue service.

Remember, half of the people who drown along our coastline never planned to enter the water. Keeping "Float to Live" in mind could save your life.

Kate wears the ADB Sport

Find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach here.