Nearly half of parents (49%) don’t realise that the Coastguard is an emergency service and like the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance can be called by dialling 999 according to research by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Despite packed beaches during summer months, the MCA Sea Smart Safety survey reveals that over half of parents interviewed (55%) would not call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they saw someone in difficulty in the sea. Of these, half (27%) would call 999 but wouldn't know which emergency service to ask for, causing a dangerous delay in assistance being provided.

According to Chief Coastguard, John Astbury: "Time is of the essence when someone is in danger in the sea or on the surrounding beach or cliff tops. If there is any delay in sending out a Coastguard rescue team, lifeboat or helicopter then it can cost lives. As the weather is improving and a hot summer is predicted, it is essential that people are aware of the potential dangers and that they must call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anyone in trouble."

Worryingly, if they saw someone in difficulty in the sea, a quarter of those interviewed would put their own life in danger by trying to save them themselves, rather than calling for assistance. John Astbury adds: "This might be the instinctive thing to do for many people but this is the worst course of action they could take. They are not only putting the life of the person they are trying to rescue in danger but also their own."

The MCA Sea Smart campaign promotes sea and beach safety to parents and carers of children and young people in a bid to reduce the large number of preventable accidents and deaths on our coastline every year. It is urging them to make sure that both they and the children know what to do if the unexpected happens while at the beach.

To prevent a fun day out turning into a tragedy, the MCA Sea Smart campaign advises parents and carers of children and young people to follow these simple guidelines:
• If you see anyone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the
Coastguard
• Check the weather and tides before you leave
• Keep children within reach at all times
• Always tie inflatables to an adult on the shoreline (including inflatable toys, rubber rings, inflatable boats, lilos, etc, which can easily drift miles out to sea with just a light breeze).
• Keep clear of cliff edges - they can be slippery when wet
• Don't drink and drown - eating and drinking before swimming may give you cramps

Visit the MCA website at www.mcga.gov.uk/seasmart
Local safety information leaflets are available from local tourist
information centres and can be accessed by visiting the MCA website.