The flags:

• Red and Yellow flags - Swimmers and bodyboarders between these.
• Black and White flags - surf craft only between these.
• Red flags - DANGER - No one is allowed in the sea.
• Keep an eye out for other signs and notices.

Advice:

• Listen to Lifeguards
• Don't go in the sea on your own.
• Always stay in sight of friends and family on the beach.
• Always watch the surf for 10 minutes before you go in.
• Know what times the tides are.
• Never jump off rocks into the sea.
• Get out of the water when you start to feel cold.
• If you get into trouble, wave your arm above your head to get help.

Local information is available online, for example in the UK the Met Office (www.metoffice.com) and www.bbc.co.uk/weather and www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/tides/. Local tourist information offices and newsagents in coastal locations keep tide timetables.