Safety

The beach is a fantastic playground, but please ensure you and your family are safe. The following basic guidelines can help you to have an exciting, fun-filled and safe day!

In the water

Please listen to the lifeguards as they're there for your safety! Lifeguards patrol from May to September and use flags to help you to know where and when it is safe to swim or surf.

Red and yellow flags                         

Indicate areas of water that are patrolled by lifeguards. Please only swim, bodyboard or use inflatables in this area.

Black and white chequered flags   

Indicate an area of water for surfing (not body boarding) or kayaking only. 

Red flags                                             

Indicate DANGER! Never enter the water when the red flag is flying.

An orange windsock                         

Indicates that wind conditions are especially dangerous. Under no circumstances take inflatables into the sea and perhaps avoid the sea altogther! Please read the signs which are located as you walk on to the beach.

• Avoid swimming or surfing alone
• Please try not to panic if you feel yourself caught in a rip current. Swim parallel to the beach and you should soon find yourself out of the rip and able to swim towards the shore.
• Always keep hold of your board or inflatable… this will keep you afloat!
• If you see someone in difficulty, don't attempt to rescue them. Advise a lifeguard or, if you can't see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
• Don’t forget the sun tan lotion!! (You can still burn even when it’s cloudy!

If you see someone in difficulty, please don't attempt a rescue. Please advise one of the beach life guards. If you can't see a life guard but have access to a phone, call 999 or 112 and ask for a lifeguard.

The cliffs and coast

Perranporth beach is full of tempting smugglers caves and tin mine tunnels. Please always be aware of the tides and take care not to get cut off by the incoming sea if you plan on exploring. (Tide Timetables can be purchased from Perranporth Tourist Information Centre).

Please stay well away from any of the old mineshafts and refrain from climbing the cliffs as they may not be secure.

The views from the Coast Path are spectacular! Keeping to the marked paths will not only keep you safe but will also help to protect the nature and surrounding habitats.