A Guide to Water Safety
Plymouth’s coastline and waters are a huge asset for wellbeing, recreation, and connection to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. However, the sea can be unpredictable. Staying safe is everyone’s responsibility.
Understanding
cold water
Cold water is one of the biggest risks locally. To help you with your journey to the (often chilly) sea, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) have made a ‘Sponge to Plunge’. It’s a great way to build your cold water tolerance over time, rather than jumping in and hoping for the best!
Cold water shock can:
- Cause involuntary gasping
- Affect breathing control
- Increase risk of panic, causing drowning
Take some time to prepare your body before entering the water with the RLSS guidance.
Not ready to
wade out yet?
Did you know that Tinside Lido host Swim Safe sessions for young people, in collaboration with Swim England and the RNLI?
Did you also know that we have collaborated with Devon Mind to bring Safe and Sound sessions to build water confidence for adults at the Lido?
Float to Live
If you fall into the water unexpectedly:
- Tilt your head back and submerge your ears
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat. Don’t worry about if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Practice floating in a safe, supervised place like a swimming pool
Before you get in
the water
- Check your exit point (egress)
Always know how and where you will get out before you get in - Swim with a buddy or ensure someone is watching from shore
- Check weather and conditions
Tide, wind and swell can change quickly - Stay within your limits
Don’t overestimate your ability - If in doubt, don’t go out
Key safety rules
- Never enter the water after alcohol or drugs
- Do not swim passed the yellow buoy bathing area markers all water users are allowed in these areas, but if motorised they have to go at a 4-knot limit
- Do not use inflatables in offshore winds
These can carry you away from shore very quickly, look for the local business flying windsocks to check the situation. - Enter the water slowly and with control
- Be aware of other users (anglers, boats, swimmers)
After you exit
- Warm up gradually (not immediately hot)
- Change into dry clothing
- Be aware of delayed effects of cold exposure
Be part of a safe Marine Park
Water safety is not just about avoiding risk, it’s about enabling more people to enjoy Plymouth’s blue spaces confidently and responsibly.
- Respect others
- Share the space safely
- Look out for one another
Find out more
For further guidance and emergency advice:
- RNLI: Water safety campaigns and Float to Live, local information from Plymouth Lifeboat Station – RNLI Lifeboat Stations
- Plymouth Sound and Tamar Estuaries: Water Users Guide
- Plymouth City Council: Report defects on life saving equipment by scanning the QR code/calling the number on the sticker. Firmstep marine defect form when it goes live.
- Report an incident or a near miss, Report an incident
Remember
Respect the water. Prepare properly. Look after yourself and others.
If in doubt, don’t go out.