Clacton Coastguard Rescue Team

01/06/2026

A half-term heatwave to remember! ☀️🥵

Our beach lifeguards & Seafront wardens have worked tirelessly to keep you safe over an exceptionally busy start to the season. Whilst we’re still finalising our exact stats, over this past week we have (at least!):

📞 Contacted emergency services 12 times
🏊‍♀️ Moved 168 swimmers from out of their depth
👥 Reunited 9 missing people reported from both land and sea
🎡 Moved 155 from around or under our piers
⛑️ Performed 29 First aids
🪨 Removed 251 people from rocks & groynes

All this action has led to our staff to deal with multiple serious incidents over the week, a huge thank you to our friends over at , , , , for your assistance, and our dedicated team for their hard work!

We are now moving to a weekends-only service until the summer holidays begin! 🏖️

Picture by Anthony Allston (Ant Allston photography)

29/05/2026

Hot weather and busy beaches can be disorientating for younger children.

It’s not uncommon for little ones to get lost in crowds, but these tips can help reunite you if you do become separated:

Take a photo on arrival so you have an up-to-date reference to show authorities (and a handy reminder of what they were wearing) 📸

Agree a meeting point if you get lost 📍

Use beach wristbands and write your contact number on them so you can be called and reunited if you get separated 🙋

Make sure that everyone in the group knows to call 999 if they’re in trouble 📞

Wristbands can be ordered from our web shop for free. Get yours here: bit.ly/HMCGwristbands

24/05/2026

Mud can trap you faster than you think.

If you get stuck or get into trouble along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

22/05/2026

With warmer weather arriving and the May Bank Holiday fast approaching, many people will be heading to the coast to make the most of the sunshine. If you’re planning a trip to the beach or spending time on the water, please take a moment to think about safety before you go.

The coast is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy time with family and friends, but conditions can change quickly and even experienced visitors can get caught out.

“It could easily happen to you.”

Whether you’re paddling, swimming, boating, or simply taking in the view, help keep yourself and others safe by following these simple tips:

⸻

🛟 Before You Go:

Check the weather forecast and tide times
– Before heading to the coast, check the latest weather and know when the tide is coming in or going out.

Stay away from cliff edges and bases
– Cliffs can be unstable. Keep well back from the edge and avoid walking close to the base.

Avoid mudflats
– Mud can be deceptive and dangerous. If you do get stuck, lean back to spread your weight and call for help.

Avoid water sports in offshore winds
– Offshore winds (blowing from land out to sea) can quickly carry you away from shore.

Tell someone your plans
– Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Bring a fully charged mobile phone and consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB).

Protect yourself from the sun
– Use high-factor sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover up with lightweight clothing where possible.

Stay hydrated
– Bring plenty of water and drink regularly, especially if you’re out in the sun for extended periods.

⸻

🛟 While You’re at the Coast:

Keep children within sight and reach
– Always supervise children closely, especially near the water or cliffs.

Watch out for waves, rip currents, and cold water
– The sea can be unpredictable. Be cautious of strong waves, rip currents, and cold shock from entering cold water.

Avoid using inflatables in open water
– Inflatables can be swept out to sea easily. They’re best kept for swimming pools.

If swept out on an inflatable
– Stay with it, wave one hand, and shout for help. Don’t try to swim against the current.

Observe all safety signs and local guidance
– Pay attention to any posted warnings or instructions. They’re there for your safety.

If caught in a rip current
– Stay calm, raise your hand, and call for help. If possible, swim parallel to the shore to escape the current before heading back in.

⸻

In an Emergency:

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
– If you or someone else is in danger at the coast, don’t hesitate — call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. It could save a life.

03/05/2026

25/04/2026

Tombstoning isn’t worth the risk 🚫

Jumping or diving from piers, cliffs, jetties, or bridges can cause serious injury or be fatal.

Submerged rocks, shallow water and strong currents aren’t always visible. Once you’re in the water, getting out can be difficult.

Instead, choose a registered coasteering provider, where you’ll have the right training and equipment for a safe, enjoyable experience ✅

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

09/04/2026

Someone in trouble in the water?
Remember: Phone. Float. Throw.

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, your safety comes first.

03/04/2026

In a coastal emergency, minutes matter. Could you tell someone exactly where you are if you or a loved one needed help?

When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: “where are you?”. The moment you provide this information; the teams will dispatch the most appropriate responders. We have world-class systems to help us, but valuable time can be saved if you can give some location details.

There are very simple ways, as well as more advanced options, to help you stay safe and know your location.

• Before you leave: Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

• Safety signs and location: Look for local safety signs depicting beach names and location references. Take a picture of local landmarks such as car park names and buildings.

• Location apps: Know how to use your location apps. Many smartphones now have a Global Positioning System (GPS) installed which pinpoints geographical locations.

• Mobile phone: Make sure your mobile is fully charged, ideally in a waterproof case. It’s also worth taking a power pack so you can recharge your phone, especially if your activities involve heavy battery use.

If you can tell us exactly where you are, rescuers can be sent more quickly. It could save a life.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

31/03/2026

🚨 Important update for boaters and watercraft users

From 15 April 2026, new registration requirements for Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) will come into force. All current and new PLBs carried on UK-flagged vessels, hovercraft, and mechanically propelled watercraft must be registered. This also applies if a PLB is discarded, sold, or changes ownership details must be updated accordingly.

Registering your PLB is free, takes around 15 minutes, and could make a life-saving difference. It helps HM Coastguard respond faster, distinguish false alerts, and focus resources when people are genuinely in distress.

If you carry a PLB, make sure you’re registered before the 15 April deadline.
Help rescuers help you. ⚓🛟

New registration requirements for Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) will come into force on 15 April 2026.

From this date, all current and new PLBs carried on board UK-flagged vessels, hovercraft and mechanically propelled watercraft must be registered. This requirement also applies when a PLB is discarded or changes ownership, and updated details must be provided.

These requirements bring PLBs in line with the registration rules that have applied to Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) for the past 26 years.

UK Distress & Security Beacon Registry Manager Linda Goulding said: “The benefit of registering your PLB is simple: it gives yourself – and everyone you’re with – a headstart to being rescued from an emergency.

“The registration process is free, takes just 15 minutes, and could make the difference between life and death. You can do it at no cost online in time for the deadline of 15 April.

“HM Coastguard will react to every beacon alert we receive. Registering your PLB helps us quickly work out when it’s a false alarm with no one in danger; or to focus our resources when people in real distress and need our help. Help us to help you.”

30/01/2026

Recent storms and unsettled weather across the UK can increase the likelihood of unidentified objects washing up on beaches.

Although it’s rare to find unexploded ordnance, bad weather and high tides can expose items of all shapes and sizes.

If you come across something unusual or suspect it could be unexploded ordnance, please don’t try to touch it or move it.

Instead, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We will respond with our partner agencies to keep people safe and ensure the item in question is disposed of correctly.