Marine Dimensions The Seashore Code

Seashore Code

Health and Safety Advice for Seashore Visits

(Based on information from www.sligoseashore.com and Scottish Natural Heritage)

Before your field Trip

	Become aware of coastal hazards in the area
	Choose a shore with good communications and access in case of an emergency
	Check there are essential services such as parking and toilets
	Organise enough supervisors to ensure adult to student ratio is met
	Organise a trained first aider for the trip
	Write an Emergency Plan specific for site

Information to include in the Emergency Plan

1. Detail site location and evacuation route for local hospital

2. First aid procedures for near drowning,cuts and grazes etc

3. Signal for regrouping

4. Phone numbers – All emergency services (including coastguard) 999

	Parents of children on trip
	Hospital / Local Doctor / Local Garda
	School

On the Day of Visit

	Check tide tables and plan to visit 1 hour before low tide
	Ensure children are wearing suitable outdoor clothing (expect the worst!)
	Organise Safety equipment for each group i.e. First Aid Kit, tide tables, watch, spare clothes, safety line, whistle, contact telephone numbers
	Brief adult supervisors with Seashore Survival Code

On the Shore

	Set clear limits and timetable of activities
	Demonstrate the Conservation Code
	Arrange meeting place and time

Conservation Code

1. Watch wildlife without disturbance

	Try to watch animals in their natural homes
	Use a magnifying glass to see them closer
	If you need a closer look, collect one carefully and put in fresh seawater for a short time only

2. Return wildlife to where it was found

Never return creatures to a different part of the shore, as they might not be able to survive in a different area

3. Protect animal homes

Return rocks and seaweed to their original position after turning them over. If you don’t plants and animals may dry out and die

4. Keep seaweeds alive

	Do not pull seaweed off rocks
	Collect loose weed found along the shoreline

5. Help seabirds

	Try not to disturb seabirds feeding along the seashore
	Stay well away from nesting birds

6. Keep the seashore clean

Always put your rubbish in litter bins or take it away with you

Seashore Survival Code

BE AWARE OF THE EMERGENCY PLAN

Cliffs

	Most cliffs are being worn away by wind and weather
	Large pieces may break off without warning
	Do not go near the edge, sit underneath or climb the cliff face

Tides

	Use tide tables to find out which way the tide is moving
	Keep an eye on the water’s edge
	Allow enough time to get back safely

Waves

	Keep away from the edge of rough seas
	Sudden strong waves can sweep you out to sea

Currents

Even when the sea looks calm, underwater currents can pull bathers out to sea

Sharp and slippery rocks

	Walking on rocks in bare feet can be painful and give nasty cuts
	Seaweed covered rocks can be very slippery
	Wear shoes and keep your hands free to climb over rocks

Litter

	Make sure you wear strong footwear to avoid being cut by sharp litter such as broken glass
	Avoid touching plastic drums which are washed up – they could have contained a nasty chemical

Weather

	The coastline is exposed to the elements and conditions may be much more extreme than inland
	Wind exposure can cool the body quickly
	Being out in the sun can lead to sunburn
	Wear the right clothes for the right conditions