Coastguards in the southeast launch summer safety campaign as holidaymakers head for the beaches.

UK Chief Coastguard Rod Johnson said “More and more people are choosing to holiday at home and are visiting our coastlines.” He wants to spread the word and educate families to be Sea Smart.

• If you are going afloat, always wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
• Consider visiting a beach with lifeguards if there is one.
• Check the weather and tides before you leave home-don’t get swept away
• If a child is using an inflatable, make sure they are being supervised and that the inflatable is secured to the shoreline and held by an adult. Even the slightest breeze could blow the inflatable away.
• Always keep your children in sight on the beach, especially toddlers. Even a small wave can knock a child over.
• Keep ciear of cliff edges – we’ve got some high cliffs around our coast line.
• Always swim close to the beach. Keep in sight of others.