Seaside holidays are all about having fun, but every year there are many accidents that could be prevented by following some basic safety rules

If you're taking the family to the seaside this summer, make sure you're doing everything you can to keep them free from harm by following these simple safety guidelines from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Teach your family the Sea Smart code:

Spot the dangers
Always go with a friend
Find and read the safety signs
Emergency? Stick your hand up and shout, tell a lifeguard or dial 999 for Coastguard

On the beach

• Whether your kids are surfing, bodyboarding, swimming, playing on inflatables or just having fun in the sea, make sure they always have someone with them who can go for help if they get into trouble
• Keep clear of any cliff edges as they can be slippery when they get wet - cliffs around the UK are very high and do sometimes give way under foot
• Always wear sun cream, at least factor 15 or above, sunbathe for short periods of time, use after tan lotion and wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs to prevent further exposure
• Check the weather and tides before you leave home

• Always swim close to the beach in line with the shore rather than out to sea
• Check the beach when you arrive and beware of rocks and breakwaters
• Avoid rip tides and strong under surface currents which can carry you out to sea - calmer waters between areas of surf usually means dangerous rip currents
• Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death amongst young people in the UK. It is vital that children and parents look out for warning signs and flags on the beach. Red flags are used as a warning that the water is unsafe, and red and yellow flags indicate the areas where it is safe to swim

Sea smart wristbands

To prevent children getting separated from their parents at the beach, the MCA has produced a 'Sea Smart Beach Band'. This is a simple, brightly coloured wristband upon which parents can write their mobile phone numbers to ensure that should their children get lost, they will be more easily reunited.

You can obtain beach bands for younger members of your family from most local Tourist Information Centres, Coast Guard Stations and Lifeguards around the coast.

Visit the Sea Smart website for more information and tips on seaside safety.