DORSET coastguards are taking urgent action to avoid what they fear could be a record number of accidents this summer.

It follows a new survey which revealed that the majority of people don't know to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see someone in trouble.

Pip Hall, coastguard sector manager for Poole, says because of the weather forecast this summer, it has never been more important to learn what to do in an emergency.

"A high number of beachside accidents could be prevented if people were more aware of the risks. It's vital to remember if you see someone in difficulty, and there is no lifeguard available, to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Life-saving time is often wasted when people ask for the wrong emergency service."

Pip says there has already been an increase in the number of surfers and windsurfers getting into trouble this year.

"The weather often changes during the time they are surfing and they grow tired and get into difficulty. Remember to stay aware of weather conditions even if the weather was fine when you set out."

Another key issue to be aware of while enjoying the beach with your children is how easy it is to lose sight of them.

Parents consider their children going missing to be one of the key dangers to worry about when at the coast, but, according to research, only 30 per cent said they made sure their children stayed in sight as a precaution.

To ensure lost children are reunited with their parents quickly, the MCA Sea Smart campaign, which promotes sea and beach safety to parents of young children, is providing free children's wristbands.

The waterproof bands allow parents to write on their mobile phone number so that if their child does become lost, they can be reunited straight away.

They are available in eye-catching colours of neon pink, neon lime and yellow glow and can be obtained from most tourist information centres as well as lifeguard stations and local coastguard offices around the coastline.

When you're at the beach:

  • If you see anyone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard if there is no lifeguard on the beach.
  • Check the weather and tides before you leave.
  • Keep children within reach at all times.
  • Always tie inflatables to the shore (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 and sometimes give way under foot.
  • Don't drink and drown - eating and drinking before swimming may give you cramps.

Lifeguard Flags
Lifeguards on the beach use three different flags to indicate whether it is safe to enter the water.

Red Flags: Mean it is dangerous to enter the water and you should not swim, surf etc.

Red and Yellow Flags: Indicate it is safe to enter the water, but you must stay within the area between the red and yellow flags. Anyone straying outside the flags will be asked to move back into the area by lifeguards on patrol.

Black and White Flags: All surfers are contained within a separate area marked by black and white flags, which mean it is not a suitable area for swimming.