Torbay joins national sea safety campaign to warn of hidden danger from offshore winds

As national organisations including the RNLI and Paddle UK launch a summer sea safety campaign, Torbay Council is supporting the national effort while also delivering its own local campaign to raise awareness of the hidden dangers of offshore winds.

With warmer weather and increasing numbers of residents and visitors heading to the coastline, our campaign focuses on raising awareness of offshore winds – a hidden but serious risk that can quickly carry people and inflatables away from the shore. Offshore winds blow from land out to sea and can make it difficult, or impossible, to return safely without assistance.

Inflatables are a significant factor in coastal incidents. Torbay’s own incident data shows that inflatables were involved in 16.2% of all incidents last year, highlighting the scale of the risk locally. Nationally, RNLI figures have also shown a rise in callouts involving inflatables during warmer periods when more people take to the water. These incidents often occur when offshore winds appear light or conditions seem calm from the shore, catching people off guard and carrying them out to sea before they realise the danger.

In recent years, emergency services have responded to numerous incidents involving paddleboards, kayaks and inflatables being swept out to sea in offshore winds. Recent RNLI rescues across the UK have included paddleboarders and inflatable users being blown offshore and requiring assistance, reinforcing how quickly conditions can become dangerous. This is why national guidance from HM Coastguard advises against using inflatables in open water.

Around half of people who accidentally drown had no intention of entering the water, highlighting how quickly situations can escalate. This underlines the importance of knowing what to do if you find yourself in difficulty. The RNLI’s Float to Live advice encourages people to stay calm, control their breathing and float on their back until help arrives or they can self-rescue. RNLI data also shows that more than 50 people have reported that Float to Live helped save their life after hearing the message, demonstrating how a simple action can make the difference between life and death.

To support beach safety in Torbay, windsocks have been installed at key locations, helping residents and visitors to easily identify wind direction and strength before entering the water. These sit alongside wider safety measures introduced through the English Riviera Beach Standards, including clearer signage and locally tailored guidance.

As part of our campaign, dedicated beach guide leaflets are now being distributed to holiday parks, beach kiosks, cafés and other seafront businesses, helping ensure visitors who are unfamiliar with Torbay’s coastline see clear, practical safety advice at key points along the coast. Local businesses are being encouraged to play an active role in the campaign by signing up to support and share key safety messages with their customers. So far, 78 businesses across Torbay have already joined, helping to display materials, share advice, and reinforce simple but vital safety messages to visitors.

With the English Riviera set to host the SUP World Cup from 24 to 28 June, the campaign also aims to ensure both participants and spectators are aware of sea safety advice, particularly around changing conditions and offshore winds.

Taking a moment to check conditions can make a significant difference to your safety. Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow simple safety advice:

Check wind direction before entering the water

Avoid using inflatables in open water

Stay close to the shore, particularly in changing conditions

Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch

If in doubt, don’t go out

If you get into difficulty in the water, float on your back to help control your breathing and stay calm until help arrives and swim to safety if possible. If someone gets into difficulty in the water, people should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

If caught out by offshore winds while using a paddleboard or similar craft, the advice is to lie or kneel down to reduce wind exposure and paddle back to shore. People should stay with their craft to remain visible to rescuers and signal for help by raising an arm.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said:

“Every year we see people get into difficulty because offshore winds can carry them out to sea far quicker than they expect."

"As part of this national focus on sea safety, it’s important that we all take simple steps to reduce risks and look out for one another. With major events like the SUP World Cup coming to the English Riviera, we’re expecting even more people to enjoy our coastline, so sharing this advice is more important than ever."

"Our message is simple – take a moment to check conditions, follow the advice on signage, and help keep yourself and others safe while enjoying Torbay’s coastline.”

This campaign forms part of wider national efforts to promote safe, confident use of the coast, while highlighting the specific risks and local measures in place across Torbay. By taking a few simple precautions, everyone can enjoy Torbay’s coastline safely this summer.

Further beach safety advice, including information about offshore winds and how businesses can get involved in the campaign, is available at: www.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk/leisure/beaches-and-coastline/2026-water-safety-campaign/