[ILee]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/e...ll/5377106.stm

[starfish]

i always took a red flag to mean "if you go in the water you do so at your own risk so don't expect anyone to rescue you" not "stay away from the water" or am i wrong?

[Stewart Plant]

Star your right in a way, it means legally we told you so, so dont sue us you fool. Most life guards will leave you alone if you know what you doing but it is at your risk to go in and they wont be too happy if you get in trouble! Expect a slap and a bill for the services if they take major offense. The red is there to stop the fools with swell boards who have just hired them and never been surfing before.

[ILee]

I think I picked an unfortunate title. I just thought I would post the article as it was about surfing in Newquay, I was not making a statement about there being a Red flag or it being ignored or any thing else.

I meant no offence if anyone reads this and thinks I did.

[Stewart Plant]

No mate its ok, dont worry I was just making a statement and star was asking a Q, dont fret about it

[ANCIENTWILLIAM]

Dude, I see no offence either so don't worry

Red Flags on UK beaches normally mean an indication of danger. So the advice is never to enter the water when it is flying. I know a lot of people in Newquay who think this applies to bathers only or those that normally go inbetween the red & yellow flags especially if the surf is looking good.

See this link :

http://www.beachsafety.org.uk/upload...n%20beaches%22

[Stewart Plant]

Class A example is Gwithian just by th Rip and at fistral when the Cribbar is working.

[ANCIENTWILLIAM]

Rip currents are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second. However, speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured; this is faster than an Olympic swimmer. Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. The following tips will help you play at safe.



When at the beach:

• Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.
• Never swim alone.
• Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
• Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!
• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
• Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean's surface.
• Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current:

• Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• Never fight the current.
• Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, of which you need to step to the side.
• Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle -- away from the current -- towards shore.
• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
• If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:

• Get help from a lifeguard.
• If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 999.
• Throw the rip current victim something that floats -- a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
• Yell instructions on how to escape.
• Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

[THErockchick]

Originally Posted by ANCIENTWILLIAM

Rip currents are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second. However, speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured; this is faster than an Olympic swimmer. Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. The following tips will help you play at safe.



When at the beach:

• Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.
• Never swim alone.
• Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
• Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!
• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
• Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean's surface.
• Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current:

• Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• Never fight the current.
• Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, of which you need to step to the side.
• Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle -- away from the current -- towards shore.
• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
• If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:

• Get help from a lifeguard.
• If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 999.
• Throw the rip current victim something that floats -- a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
• Yell instructions on how to escape.
• Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

This is a first BUT I actually knew what the red flag meant. I used to think I was a good swimmer but a recent experience in the ocean taught me not to be so cocky, I think this is really good advice AW.


Blinkin heck.... NO sarcasm from me?????