Visitors to beaches in Rhyl and Prestatyn are being informed of changes to the seasonal lifeguard service operated by Denbighshire County Council.
The Council has introduced designated zoned bathing areas and people can swim in these areas when the red and yellow flags are up, as there a lifeguards monitoring the area.
If a red flag is flying at any time it means it is not safe to swim in that area. This can be for a number of reasons including strong currents, high winds, swarms of jelly fish or pollution.
There are two designated bathing areas on the coast. One is at Rhyl Central Beach (from the Children’s Village to The RNLI Lifeboat Station), the other in Prestatyn from the Nova West car park to the Nova East car park.
Signs on the promenade will show these areas, which areas are lifeguarded and which are not.
Lifeguards will still patrol outside of these zones periodically but there is no guaranteed lifeguard presence outside of these areas.
The Lifeguard Service operates until 4th September 2011 and is there to prevent accidents, provide assistance and reassurance to members of the public, give first aid, provide an emergency response and is also a declared facility to HM Coastguard.
In the run up to the holiday season we advise people to stay safe on our beaches:
- Always swim in a lifeguarded area where red and yellow flags are flying
- Do not swim when the red flags are flying
- Beware of sandbanks on an incoming tide
- Do not use toy inflatables in the sea as they can be dangerous
- Do not climb on rock or wooden groynes
- If you are unsure about tides and the weather speak to lifeguards on duty who can advise.
- If you lose your child on the coast, inform the lifeguards immediately, or call the Coastguard on 999.
- Remember to drink plenty of water when in the sun, wear sun screen and shield yourself from the suns rays by wearing a hat and suitable clothing.
- Please put you litter in the litter bins proivded
Dogs are not allowed in the bathing zones at Rhyl and Prestatyn between May and September. Dogs are allowed on the beach outside of these areas. If in doubt, please refer to the maps located along the promenade.
