Coast Code
The East Riding of Yorkshire coastline is beautiful and adventurous. This beauty is not without risk, however. Treat nature with respect and prepare for your day.
The Coast Code
- Leave seashore creatures where you find them. Some have shells for protection but many hide under rocks, seaweed or in the sand. Do not collect living plants or animals. Take care when touching soft-bodied creatures.
- Carefully lift and replace any rocks you move, as small creatures need them for shelter.
- Leave seaweed in place.
- Do not trample through rock pools.
- Only collect empty seashells and then only a few.
- Leave pebbles and rocks on the beach. Do not collect them for your garden.
- Approaching wildlife may be dangerous e.g. seals can bite.
- Watch seabirds from a distance through binoculars.
- Take photographs home as long lasting souvenirs of the wonders of nature that occur along the East Yorkshire coast.
- Place your litter in a bin or take it home. Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine life.
Coastal safety advice
To ensure that residents and tourists are able to fully enjoy the East Riding coast, the council would like to issue a reminder about potential safety issues on beaches and cliff tops.
Long stretches of the East Riding's 85-kilometre coastline are affected by coastal erosion as a result of natural processes. Cliff losses linked to coastal erosion can occur at any time of the year and both visitors and residents are advised to take care on the beaches and cliff tops, by following the safety tips below.
When on the cliff top
- treat all cliffs as dangerous. Children and pets should be supervised and kept under control at all times
- do not throw any items off the cliff top onto the beach
- do not try to access the beach from the cliff top (other than from a signed and designated beach access point)
- keep away from all cliff edges as they may be dangerously undercut by wave action. Adhere to any signs or barriers restricting access or warning of danger
- do not climb down cliffs as they are unstable and can crumble without warning.
When on the beach
- take note of the predicted tide times and any storm warnings from the Environment Agency (these can be found at on the Environment Agency's flooding page
- do not walk at the foot of cliffs as they are unstable. Never choose the base of the cliffs as a spot for sunbathing or picnicking
- do not attempt to climb the cliffs
- beware of falling rocks and debris from the cliff top
- never touch or take away objects that have been revealed as the result of an erosion incident. To report suspicious items or coastal problems/incidents, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard, giving the location of the issue. This will assist in ensuring a prompt and accurate response from the emergency services
- avoid any structures or debris, including the remnants of historic military infrastructure.
Weever fish
Weever fish are found all around the coast of the United Kingdom in areas with warm shallow water and a sandy beach. The fish buries itself in the sand leaving only its head and black dorsal fin visible. The sting feels like a sharp stab and is very painful but will not leave any permanent damage. The best treatment is to place the affected foot in a bowl of hot water until the pain subsides.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish can also be a potential hazard as they are occasionally found along the coast. If one stings you do not rub the affected area, as this will cause more pain. Spray the area with cold seawater and apply ice (if available).
High and low tides
Tide times vary every day throughout the year. Due to the difference in tide times along the coast, please use the Tide Times website to find the current high tide details in your chosen location.
Check lifeguard times
The RNLI provide lifeguard services around Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea on select dates in spring and daily during the summer. If you plan to swim, check the RNLI website for dates and times that lifeguards will be present.
Child safety
You may want to consider getting a waterproof ID bracelet for young children when visiting beaches, coastal areas and crowded areas. These can ensure that parents and carers can be contacted quickly if a child becomes lost. These can be bought online from many retailers.
Know your flags
It's important to be aware of and understand the use of flags and signs at the coast. Flags are used by lifeguards for your safety. Find out about flag colours and sign meanings on the RNLI website.
Swimming and water safety
Care should be taken at all times when swimming in the sea. During the summer holidays, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguard service is in operation at the resort beaches and they promote a 'swim between the flags' service, which means they will patrol a designated area of the beach and sea.
On occasions, it is necessary to restrict activities and even close a beach and access to the water. Where this occurs we follow the procedures identified by RNLI water safety advice (external site).
There is no swimming allowed in the ponds and lakes found in any of our nature reserves.
Water safety campaigns
Learn more about how to #enjoywatersafely with these water safety campaigns supported by East Riding Leisure. Whether you're going for a walk along part of our coastline or riverbanks, visiting one of the many local nature reserves, or heading out for a day at the beach, know how to keep yourself and your family safe in and around water.
These campaigns only last a week or so, but water safety is important all year round. You can read more about each campaign and download a variety of resources for kids and adults on the East Riding Leisure website.
Safety advice from the RNLI
While enjoying a range of activities on the coast, it is important to keep yourselves and the people around you safe. You can see a diverse selection of activities and how to enjoy them safely on the RNLI website.