Blackpool
Posted on: Wednesday 14th June 2023
Sun, Sea, And Sand Safety Tips For Blackpool This Summer
Phew, it’s a scorcher in Blackpool at the moment! The sun’s out, the temperature is climbing, and heading to the seaside for an ice cream on the beach sounds like a brilliant idea! You can’t beat a day out in the sun in Blackpool, with miles of golden sandy beaches, the sea to paddle in, and a fish and chip supper before heading home.
But while the fresh sea breeze and a good dose of vitamin D can work wonders, it’s also vital to remember to remain safe in the sun, on the beach, and in the sea. We wanted to have a look at some helpful tips to ensure you and your family enjoy the best of the sunny weather on your next visit to Blackpool while staying safe!
Coral Island’s Top Tips For Staying Safe At The Beach
- Don’t forget the sunscreen
Whether you’re heading straight for the beach, having a stroll along the Promenade, exploring the white knuckle rides at the Pleasure Beach, or sitting at the end of the pier with an ice cream, always remember to put on sunscreen, even if it’s overcast and the sun isn’t beating down.
Sunscreen will offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays and help you avoid sunburn. Buy sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB, and has a 4-star UVA protection rating. It should be applied to all areas of exposed skin - arms, legs, hands, feet, face, neck, ears, head - everywhere!
You should take extra care with children, apply sunscreen for them to make sure they’re fully protected, and regularly re-apply protection throughout the day.
However, you should not rely solely on sunscreen for protection, and wear suitable clothing, loose long-sleeve tops, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection, and spend as much time in the shade as possible.
- Stay Together
Blackpool can get very busy when the sun is out as everyone heads to the seaside, so it’s important to keep children close. Make sure they don’t stay too far away on the beach, and dress them in something distinctive so you are easily able to spot them while they are playing.
It’s very important to keep children close if you’re going paddling in the sea to cool down (and don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen after going in the water) and remember that even shallow water can quickly knock smaller children and toddlers off their feet. Always keep within arm’s reach of the little ones whenever you’re in or near water.
- Obey The Warning Signs
You should always read and obey all the warning signs on the beach, and instructions from lifeguards and the beach patrol, who can advise you when and where it is safe to paddle and swim.
Remember that inflatables, lilos, and dinghies are not made for the sea as they can be easily blown out to sea, so please do not use them. Also, lifesaving equipment is not a toy, and should not be interfered with.
If you are going swimming, then do not swim after having just eaten, never swim after consuming alcohol, or if the water is too cold. Always swim with others, stay well away from the piers, keep within your depth, and know your capabilities.
If you get into difficulty, then stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
- Check The Tides
Always check for the tide times before you arrive at the beach, and make yourself aware of any potential hazards, The tide can come in very quickly, and change the environment significantly, cutting you off.
- Keep Hydrated
Make sure that you and your family have access to drinks throughout the day, keeping in mind that the sun and the wind can dehydrate you quickly at the beach, even on cooler days. Encourage your family to have a couple of glasses of water before you set off to the beach, and take a cooler full of water, fruit juice and fruit to keep hydrated.
- Stick To The Shade
You can be quite exposed at the beach, with little shade to be found, so bring something along with you that can be used to create your own shade, such as a tent or sunshade. The sun is at its strongest between 11 am and 3 pm, so if possible, stay out of the sun between those times, or encourage your children to play in the shade.
During the hottest part of the day, why not head indoors to cool off? Come to Coral Island and play on the arcade, enjoy our rides, and feed the family with our Kids Eat Free offer, where children aged under 10 can receive a free kids’ meal with every paid adult meal. We’re on the Promenade, right across from the beach, so it’s not far to go!
- Keep An Eye On Your Belongings
Blackpool Beach can be very busy on hot, sunny days, and can be a target for opportunist thieves, so keep any valuables, such as bags, purses, smartphones, etc safe. Do not leave them unattended.
Leave anything you do not need at home or hidden out of sight in your car, but always keep a phone handy, because if anyone does get into any difficulties in the water, you need to ring 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
Bonus Tip
It can be difficult to find the right balance between letting your children take risks and exploring new environments. Make sure you talk to your children before you go to the seaside about how it is different from where they might usually play, and how they can stay safe and stay together.
Enjoy The Seaside!
A day out in the sunshine can be great fun for the family, feeling the sand between your toes, and the sea breeze on your face. By keeping the above tips in mind when you plan your visit, you can make sure you have lots of fun while staying safe and avoiding nasty sunburn.
And when you need a break from the sun, or when the afternoon rain rolls in, then come and visit Coral Island for more family fun and adventures, amazing food, thrilling rides, the biggest and best Prize Shop in Blackpool, and exciting games for all ages.
We’re open every day, right across from the beach, and next to the central car parks on New Bonny Street, as well as close to the Tower tram stop and all the amazing attractions that make Blackpool famous all around the world!
