How to stay safe and enjoy our coastal walks

Britain’s coastline is beautiful and wild – and there for all of us to explore!  

With the King Charles III England Coast Path officially open in 2026, there are more reasons than ever to get out walking at the coast.  Whether you’re walking on this wonderful 2,700 mile trail around the entire coast of England, on the Wales Coast Path or Scotland’s hidden beaches, there’s something for everyone to look forward to on a summer walk. 

Coastal walking is a very safe activity most of the time, but according to our friends at the RNLI, slips and falls from walking and running are sadly the biggest cause of death on our coastline. So, whether you’re a once-a-year walker or a seasoned mountaineer, there are a few safety considerations to remember when heading to the coast.  

No one goes to the coast expecting to get rescued, so Tim Doran from the RNLI Water Safety Team gave us his seven top tips for staying safe on the coast.  

1. Be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all locations; it is not just high cliff edges that are a risk. 
2. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. 
3. Take care when walking in dark and slippery conditions. 
4. Always carry a mobile phone.  If you find yourself in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard  
5. Check the weather and tide times. Getting cut off by the tide is a common cause of lifeboat launches.  
6. If you do fancy a dip in the sea on your walk, always swim at a lifeguarded beach 
7. If you get into trouble in the water, remember Float to Live. Lean back and use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. 

A sobering statistic is that half of the people who drown along our coastline never intended to go in the water, so remembering Float to Live could save your life. 

If you see someone in a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.