Enjoy the Bank Holiday in Cleethorpes with safety in mind

The summer bank holiday is upon us and, if you are visiting Cleethorpes this weekend, here are some top tips that will help you to make the most of your visit by staying safe and also helping us to safeguard our resort’s unique natural environment.

• Sandbanks – If in doubt, don’t go out and always be back on the main beach five hours before high tide to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide. If you do get cut off, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Daily tide times are displayed on the boards next to the Resort Hub, opposite the Pier, so that people can easily check before they head out to the beach. Call the beach safety team at the Resort Hub on 01472 323356.
• Mud – Be on the lookout for mud warning signs, but if you do encounter sinking mud then STOP, turn around and retrace your steps back to safety. If you do get stuck, don’t struggle as you will sink further. Remain calm, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. You can visit Cleethorpes Resort Hub team opposite the Pier for one-to-one advice as to where the danger spots are or call them on 01472 323356.

• Look after wildlife – With its sand dunes, salt marsh and tidal mud flats, Cleethorpes is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and provides vital habitat for hundreds of thousands of wading birds, rare plants and sea life. Paddleboarding In the saltmarsh is restricted to protect the wildlife. Always keep a safe distance away and do not disturb. Remember this is their habitat, their home and we are the visitors. If you have concerns for an animal or bird’s health or safety, you can report it to the resort management team on 01472 323356.
• If you wish to use a metal detector on the beach you must apply for a permit to do so. Prior consents for metal detecting will be valid for a single day and a new prior consent will need to be obtained for each day you intend to undertake metal detecting on Cleethorpes Beach. To apply for a Metal Detecting Prior Consent you will need to create a https://my.nelincs.gov.uk/ account and follow the link below. https://my.nelincs.gov.uk/s/flow/Metal_Detecting_Prior_Consent
• Missing child, lost person or need first aid? The Resort Team Hub is opposite the Pier and opens from 9am to 6pm for beach safety advice, reporting missing children, first aid and tourist information. If you are bringing young children to the beach, the resort team can provide Sandi Starfish wristbands for parents to write their phone number and name. If the child does get lost and goes to find the visible Sandi Starfish flag point, the team can then reunite them with their parents.

• Swimming – always remain within the yellow marker buoys to swim safely. Red marker buoys are for the use of motorised craft only. Always check the daily tide times before venturing out. Stay safe with inflatables on the water – be wary of offshore winds (that’s wind that comes from the land going out to sea) along with outgoing tides. You can easily get swept out to sea quickly, please be mindful. The resort team puts up orange flags to show the strength and direction of the wind.
• Litter – Leave only footprints, take only memories. Put litter in a bin or take it home if you’re on a beach, in a park or walking down the street.
• Dogs – No dogs are allowed on the main beach between North Prom and the Leisure Centre from Good Friday until 30 September. Please always keep dogs under close control so they don’t disturb roosting birds and other wildlife. Remember to pick up your dog poop and dispose of it in the bins provided.

Float to Live

However you end up in the water, if you get into trouble, remember to Float to Live. You can learn how to float following these five simple steps:

1. Tilt your head back, submerging your ears.
2. Relax and try to control your breathing.
3. Move your hands to help you stay afloat.
4. Your legs may sink but that’s OK – everyone floats differently.
5. Spread your arms and legs to improve your stability.

The RNLI actively encourages practising how to float in a safe environment. It’s a lifesaving skill and having the confidence to float in a life or death situation could make all the difference.

For more on Float to Live, visit https://rnli.org/safety/float

Get help for young people: If your child is struggling with their mental health during the school holidays, it’s important that they seek support. In North East Lincolnshire there is lots of free, anonymous and professional support available.

• For advice on issues around emotional health & mental wellbeing, Compass Go can help with one-to-one support. Call 01472 494 250.
• Young Minds Matter also offer mental health and wellbeing support. Call 01472 252 570.
• The Council’s School Nurse text service is available for free, confidential advice and support on things including mental health, bullying, self-harm, bereavement and healthy eating. Just text 07507 331 620.
• Text ORANGE to 85258 for anonymous help with things like stress, anxiety and depression.
• Kooth offer free counselling, advice and support online via www.kooth.com.
• The Single Point of Access is a one-stop-shop for confidential advice and information over the phone, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 01472 256256.

Get help if you feel unsafe: Do you feel unsafe in your home? Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and can take many forms including coercive control and financial abuse. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, need advice, or need help please ring Women’s Aid on 01472 575757. If you are in immediate danger, please always ring 999.

Get help & support: Community – Connect NEL 01472 403403. A one-stop shop, this dedicated 24/7 phone line will be answered by a team of people who are on hand to help callers find support, information and guidance across North East Lincolnshire.

For general visitor information and visitor essentials please visit https://www.discovernortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/plan-your-visit/visitor-essentials/