STUARTS LAHINCH SURF SCHOOL SAFETY

Surf lessons at Lahinch and Spanish Point are geared to the Irish Surf Association structured classes and are run by fully qualified instructors/lifeguards. Our instructors wear bright yellow & blue coats so that our students can always know where the instructors are during the lesson. Students can therefore be assured at all times that an instructor is close by and able to assist if required. We ensure a safe ratio of instructors to students at all times and we do not mix children's lessons with adult lessons unless requested. Below is a summary of the main safety points issued by the beach safety website.  For more info visit their website at  www.beachsafety.org.uk        Home

General safety advice.
Before taking up surfing seek professional advice from a qualified instructor. Your first board should be larger than average and about 12 inches longer than your height.
Look for local lifeguard advice.
Always warm up before entering the water.
Always show consideration to other water users.
Ensure that your board is fitted with a secure leash.
Always surf with others.
Ensure that you surf from known safe beaches.
Surfers remember only surf between the black and white chequered flags if flying and never between the red and yellow flags.
Body boarders remember always body board only between the red and yellow flags.

 

 Tides & Waves.
Always check for local knowledge of tides, waves and sea conditions.
There are 3 types of waves as follows.
1. Surging waves. are the type that never actually break, they can knock you over and drag you back out to sea.
2. Spilling waves. are when the top of the wave tumbles over the front of the wave. Generally these are the safest waves for surfing on.
3. Dumping waves. These waves break with a high level of force and usually occure at low tide conditions when the water is more shallow. These conditions can be very dangerous and advice should always be sought before entering the water		 Rip Currents.
Rips are strong currents running out to sea and can easily take swimmers and surfers out beyond their depth. They cause a number of drownings each year and are very powerful in heavy seas, but can be just as dangerous around estuaries and man made structures in the water.
Rips can be spotted by.
Discoloured water(caused by sand being stirred up).
Foam on the water surface.
A break in the surf line.
Debris floating out to sea.
A rippled patch of water.
Getting out of trouble.
Remain calm.
Keep hold of your board.
Dont fight any rip current.
Signal for help by raising your hand.
Try to swim parallel to the beach until out of a rip current, then swim towards the shore.
Never try and swim directly to the shore against a rip current.
If you can stand up wade rather than swim.		 Weaver & Jellyfish Hazards.
Both the above can cause nasty and unpleasant symptoms ranging from a minor rash to a very serious swelling.
Treating a sting.
Weaverfish Place the affected area in water as hot as is comfortable.
Jellyfish. DO NOT RUB, as this will cause the pain ti intensify. Lightly spray the area with sea water and apply a cold compress or ice if available.