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Sunday 15 Sep

How to Enjoy our Coast and Countryside Safely

We want you to head back home with some fantastic memories. Part of Swansea Bay’s charm is the fact it’s wonderfully wild so it’s important you take care when out and about.

Please take a moment to read our advice on taking part in an activity, safety at the beach, RNLI advice, BBQ safety and walking safely then relax in the knowledge that you and your friends and family are prepared – to have a great time!

We’ve also included some important information on our ‘Visit Swansea Bay. Responsibly’ page.

Taking part in an activity in the sea or on land?

• Whatever you do and wherever you do it, please ensure that the conditions are safe and that you have the right equipment. If new to the activity or inexperienced, use an accredited operator (where appropriate, all operators featured on this website have achieved the relevant activity accreditation).

• Watch your footing: many of our beaches and stretches of our coastline are home to marine life, such as weever fish, which can give stings when stood on, as well as rocky patches that can result in cuts. We suggest the use of water shoes, especially with younger people, and try to keep an eye on where you are stepping.

• If participating in an activity in the sea or near the shoreline, then keep an eye on the state of the tide, as it can turn very quickly here causing a tidal surge or rip tide; especially at Three Cliffs Bay, Burry Holms and the Worm’s Head causeway. The Worm’s Head, Rhossili Coastwatch Centre can help you plan your walk safely.

• If surfing at Llangennith watch out for shipwrecks below the waterline.

• Read this safety PDF on stand up paddle boarding SUP SAFETY FLYER.

• It is recommended that you keep children in line of sight at all times and swim at a lifeguarded beach – see below for more information on RNLI Lifeguarded beaches. If you do see someone in difficulty, do not attempt to enter the water yourself, telephone 999 and ask for the coastguard.

• And don’t forget your sunscreen!

Water safety at the beach

RNLI Lifeguard Patrols 2024

Langland / Caswell

  • Easter School holiday 23 March – 7 April
  • Daily 4 May – 15 September
  • Patrol times: 10am – 6pm

Port Eynon

  • Daily 4 May – 1 September
  • Patrol times: 10am – 6pm

Three Cliffs Bay

  • Easter School Holidays: 23 March – 7 April
  • Bank holiday and weekends only: 4 May – 19 May
  • May Half Term: 25 May – 2 June
  • Weekends only: 8 June – 23 June
  • Daily: 29 June – 1 September
  • Patrol times: 10am – 6pm

For more information on RNLI lifeguards and patrols visit the RNLI website

Advice to keep you and your family safe

It’s great to see so many people out enjoying the fresh air again – and it’s as fresh as it gets on our beautiful bays and beaches.  But as more people enjoy our cracking coastline we want to make extra sure that nothing spoils the fun.

Before you next head to the beach or take a plunge into the sea check out this handy and potentially lifesaving guide put together by the RNLI and HM Coastguard.  It will help you understand beach flags and signs, rip currents, tides and points out dangers such as using inflatables in the sea.

Make sure you and your family and friends stay safe this summer! 

RNLI safety at Three Cliffs

RNLI safety at Caswell

Walking safely in Swansea Bay

• The Gower Coast Path is close to the edge of the cliff in many places. For your own safety – Keep to the Path!

• Some sections of the Coast Path are subject to high tides. Be careful, as the tide can turn very quickly here. In extreme instances you may have to wait until the tide recedes before continuing or you may be able to use an alternative route. Do not attempt to swim as you may get into difficulty.

• Some routes follow the road for short distances, often there is no pavement.  Please take care when using these sections as drivers may not be aware of your presence.

• Always wear suitable footwear and clothing for the conditions you would expect to find at the time of year.

• If you find yourself in difficulty dial 999 (112 on a mobile) and ask for the Coastguard.

• Always follow the countryside code: keep dogs on a lead near livestock. Leave gates as you find them – and please take your litter home.

Beach BBQs – Be safe

The sun’s out, so there is nothing nicer than a day out at the beach.  If you’re going to be packing a BBQ to enjoy when the sun starts going down here are a few things to remember:

  • Please make sure that your barbecue is sited safely on a firm footing (not the ground as the sand gets VERY HOT and retains the heat). Ensure that everyone in the vicinity are aware that it is lit and HOT
  • When you are finished please douse the barbecue with cold water and dispose of safely in one of the BBQ BINS provided at:
  • Swansea Bay:
    • Swansea Point playground car park entrance to beach
    • Top of the Civic Centre steps near the beach
    • Bay View slip
    • Steps by Secret car park opposite Victoria Park
    • Near the Secret Bar & Kitchen
    • Brynmill Lane Slip
    • Just above Clyne stream near the Footgolf attraction
    • Blackpill, one at each end of the picnic area (near the ‘Secret Beach Bar’ on the Promenade)
  • Rotherslade Bay
  • Langland Bay
  • Caswell Bay
  • Port Eynon
  • Horton

If no bin is available please take the barbecue home with you to dispose of – make sure it is FULLY EXTINGUISHED and COLD before handling and transporting in a fireproof container eg a galvanised bucket

  • DO NOT bury the barbecue as the coals AND surrounding sand retain their heat for hours and can SERIOUSLY BURN feet or children playing in the sand
  • Please DO NOT put barbecue’s in litter or recycling bins as this could cause a fire (even if you think the coals are cold)
  • Please put the rest of your litter in the bins or recycling bins if available so as not to endanger others on the beach or marine life
  • Please do not bring glass bottles on to the beach as these are a serious hazard, especially to children playing in the sand
  • Please note that open fires are NOT permitted on the beach or surrounding area as they cannot be disposed of safely and the hot rocks and sand can cause serious burns.

THANK YOU! – we want to keep our beaches beautiful and safe for people AND for marine life too!