Although our beaches are regarded as safe, care should always be taken when swimming. Warning flags are sometimes in operation; watch out for these and take special care on rubber inflatables and dinghies - it is easy to drift out to sea under certain wind and tide conditions. You can also find information on how to protect yourself and your children in the sun.

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Sea Smart Campaign provides sea and beach safety information, free of charge, to children and parents. The Sea Smart campaign aims to reduce many preventable accidents and deaths on our coastline.

Emergencies

In an emergency contact the uniformed beach staff  (yellow polo shirts, blue sweat top, blue shorts) or at the Beach Office.

• Some beaches have public telephones.

First Aid

• A member of staff at all Council - run beaches is trained in First Aid.

Boats

• Several beaches have floats, pedal boats or self - drive motor boats for hire. Boats (sailing or less than 41/2hp) can be launched from Meadfoot and Broadsands ; otherwise from the harbour slipways at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. There is a 5 knot speed limit inside the marker buoys that must be adhered to.

Windsurfers, Water-Skiers, Jet-Skiers

• There are designated windsurfing areas at Torre Abbey Sands, Paignton (main beach) and Broadsands; and designated water-ski areas off Elberry Cove and Livermead. Jet-skis are only permitted from Paignton and Brixham harbours (no launching from any beach) and Harbour Master offices must be contacted before launching.

Dogs

• A "Poop-Scoop" byelaw - where you must clean up after your dog - applies to all beach and promenade areas. Look out for the signs. Special bins are provided. The complete ban on dogs operates on beaches between May 1 - September 30.

Care of children on the beach.

• Supervise your child at all times.
• Use the “Tag your Kids” scheme, (available from the beach manager). If you become separated from your child stay in the place where your child would expect you to be and get someone else to notify the beach staff who will assist.
• Let the beach staff know as soon as you find your child.