23/08/2025
Watch out wild swimmers, beach goers and anyone who loves messing around in the water!
The effects of Hurricane Erin will be felt in the UK from monday in the form of huge swell & waves. These waves won't only be big, they will be extremely powerful with a long interval between waves.
Unless you are an experienced surfer, surf kayaker or used to very powerful seas, we highly recommend visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red & yellow flags unless you can find very sheltered & flat calm water without waves.
With any waves comes rip currents, powerful currents that drag you out to sea past the breaking waves.. a place you definitely dont want to be in this swell!
Our RNLI beach lifeguards will mark known rip currents with banners & red flags and choose safe swim spots for red & yellow flags. Expect beaches with bigger surf to be red flagged as too dangerous to swim & body board.
We are passionate about safety but dont usually take this very cautious approach. But these waves are different. Their strength is enormous. Dont get caught out. Maybe this week is the time for finding a vantage spot somewhere high and watching the more experienced surfers have their fun?
Photo credit Anya Walton/RNLI
