SURFING CODE OF CONDUCT

• If you are new to the sport never hire a surfboard without first having a surfing lesson. (Given by a BSA qualified instructor)
  
• All surfers must be able to swim at least 50 metres in open water.
  
• Watch out for strong rip currents, rocky areas, rivers or groynes.
  
• Get 3rd Party Insurance through a surf club.
  
• Always wear a surf leash to prevent you from losing your surfboard (or bodyboard). For you your board is a safety device, to others it may be a lethal weapon.
  
• Have consideration for other water users including anglers, kite surfers, kayakers and bodyboarders.
  
• Never surf alone or immediately after eating a meal.
  
• Always return to the beach before nightfall.
  
• Never mix surfing with alcohol or drugs.
  
• Always wear a wetsuit when surfing in Britain (5mm thick outside summer and Boots/Gloves and Hoods).
  
• Be considerate of other beach users especially when carrying your board to and from the water.
  
• When paddling out avoid surfers who are riding waves.
  
• When taking a wave see that you are clear of other surfers. Remember, if someone else is already riding the wave you must not take off.
  
• Be environmentally friendly. Always leave the beach and other areas as you would wish to find them. * get basic first aid training
  bring a smile - its fun!

USEFUL NUMBERS
EMERGENCY

Dial 999 : If you see an emergency on the beach. Let the operator know your name, your location and clearly explain what has happened. Emergency services will then alert the local coastguard, lifeboat crew, ambulance or fire service.

If on the beach while the local surf school is operating you can alert the surf instructor (red rash vest) to the incident who will, as a trained beach lifeguard, be able to decide quickly how to deal with the situation.

For further safety information www.rnliseasafety.org.uk

FUN IN THE SURF

• Coast to Coast Surf School (www.c2csurfschool.com) is the local surf school and has qualified BSA Surf Instructors. To join surf and bodyboarding lessons for children and adults contact us on 01368 869734/07971 990361 .
  
• Belhaven Surf Club is the local surf club to join visit the website www.belhavensurf.com