We want to remind you and our visitors to stay safe around the water this summer as schools break up for the holidays and more families head to beaches, rivers and other popular swimming spots.

With schools now broken up for the summer, thousands of you and visitors are expected to flock to Torbay's beaches, coves and coastline over the coming weeks. Recent hot weather is likely to add to the seasonal influx, with more people spending time in and around the water during the holiday period.

While the coast offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the summer, we are reminding people that the sea and other open water environments can present serious risks, even on warm and sunny days. As part of our ongoing Summer Sea Safety Campaign, we are encouraging people to understand those risks, prepare before heading to the water and take simple precautions to help prevent accidents.

The reminder comes as communities around the world mark World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday 25 July, a day that raises awareness of drowning risks and promotes practical actions that can save lives. The theme aligns closely with our ongoing work to encourage you and our visitors to enjoy the coast safely and responsibly throughout the summer.

With many families expected to spend time by the water during the school holidays, parents and carers are being urged to keep children within sight at all times and to familiarise themselves with local safety information before visiting the coast.

Children, teenagers and young adults can be particularly vulnerable around water, whether due to distraction, unfamiliar surroundings or overconfidence. Nationally, teenagers and young adults are disproportionately affected by drowning incidents, making it especially important for families to discuss water safety before visiting beaches, rivers, lakes or other open water locations.

One of the biggest hazards during fine weather is offshore winds. Often barely noticeable from the beach, these winds blow from land out to sea and can rapidly carry paddleboards, kayaks and inflatables away from shore. People can find themselves drifting further out before realising they are in difficulty, making it difficult or even impossible to return without assistance.

Many visitors are also surprised to learn how cold the sea remains, even during the summer months. Entering cold water too quickly can trigger cold water shock, causing an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and loss of control in the water. This can affect anyone, including experienced swimmers, which is why people are advised to enter the water gradually and allow their bodies time to adapt.

The recent warm weather has also encouraged more people to explore wild swimming locations. While Torbay's designated bathing waters are regularly monitored, with 80% currently rated as excellent, people choosing to swim elsewhere should follow public health advice to help reduce the risk of illness.

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

"With the summer holidays now under way, we know many families will be heading to Torbay's beaches and coastline to make the most of their time together outdoors."

"The recent ICF SUP World Cup and Paddle UK SUPER Festival highlighted Torbay's growing reputation as a destination for paddleboarding and watersports, inspiring even more people to get out on the water and give new activities a try."

"That's something we very much welcome, but it's important that people take a few moments to check conditions, understand local hazards and plan ahead before setting out."

"Whether you're swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or simply spending the day by the coast, a little preparation can make all the difference and help prevent avoidable incidents."

"By taking some simple precautions, everyone can enjoy a safe and memorable summer by the water."

To support the increased number of visitors expected during the summer holidays, a range of beach safety measures are in place across the Bay. These include windsocks at key coastal locations, allowing visitors to check wind direction and strength before entering the water, alongside enhanced signage and locally tailored guidance delivered through the English Riviera Beach Standards. Dedicated water safety leaflets have also been distributed through holiday parks, beach kiosks, cafés and other seafront businesses to promote key safety messages across the Bay.

Before heading out, you are encouraged to:

• Check weather and sea conditions before entering the water
• Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch
• Follow local safety signs and advice

Around and in the water:

• Always keep children within sight and under close supervision
• Enter the water slowly to reduce the risk of cold-water shock and avoid jumping straight in
• Avoid using inflatables in open water, particularly when offshore winds are present
• Stay close to the shore
• If in doubt, don't go out

If someone gets into difficulty in the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Further beach safety information is available on the Tor Bay Harbour website.