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We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coastline, so certain rules and regulations are in place to keep everyone safe.
Stay safe around water
Soft sand and sinking mud is easy to get stuck in, which could lead to a potentially deadly situation.
We want everyone to have fun and stay safe by the water. Last year, our seafront team produced a series of videos with Avon Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI and HM Coastguard to remind people how to keep themselves and those around them safe.
In one video, our seafront rangers demonstrate a staged rescue of a dummy stuck in the mud to show how quickly things can change.
Another video highlights the dangers of tombstoning – jumping from a high spot into water – from Knightstone Island in Weston.
Keep an eye on the Weston Seafront Facebook page for more safety tips and videos.
To stay safe on North Somerset’s beaches, follow these tips:
- check the weather forecast and tide times before heading out
- bring a charged mobile phone with you
- don’t walk into the mud when the tide is out – you might get stuck
- know where the exit points are on the beach
- follow advice on the warning signs
- if you do get trapped, or see someone else who’s stuck, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Find other information about seafront safety, such as parking, warning signs, lost children and first aid, on our website.
Don’t tamper with lifesaving rings
We’ve recently seen an increase in lifesaving rings along North Somerset’s coast and in our other waterways being maliciously tampered with.
Our seafront rangers have had to replace missing lifesaving rings in Weston-super-Mare on an almost weekly basis.
It’s important to have lifesaving rings along the coast and other waterways so a passersby can come to the aid of someone in difficulty if needed.
Using a lifesaving ring buys vital time for someone who’s in trouble in the water until the emergency services arrive.
They play a valuable part in water safety and act as a constant, visible reminder of the danger that water can pose, so missing or vandalised lifesaving rings have potentially fatal consequences.
Vandals who recklessly tamper with lifesaving rings are putting people at risk – and it could lead to lives being lost.
Causing damage to such an important piece of equipment is unacceptable and shows a total disregard for the safety of the local community.
Each lifesaving ring also costs more than £50 to replace, meaning your council tax is being spent on replacing these safety devices because of a reckless few.
Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty, call 999 immediately. When by the coast, ask for the Coastguard.
Seafront dog restrictions
The annual seasonal dog ban on the main beach in Weston-super-Mare will soon come into force.
Between 9am and 7pm from Thursday 1 May to Tuesday 30 September no dogs, except for assistance dogs, are allowed on the beach or in the water between the Grand Pier and Royal Sands.
In Clevedon, no dogs except assistance dogs are allowed on the beach.
There is a dog ban in force all year round at both Marine Lakes in Clevedon and Weston.
Dog owners are also required to carry a poo bag, clean it up, and dispose of it responsibly.
Failure to comply could result in a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.
Find out more about dog controls on our website, or about Public Space Protection Orders.