Lying prone and using swim-fins make bodyboarding a sport apart, with its own safety rules: beach flags, rip currents and riding zones to respect. Here are the essentials before you get in the water.
Understanding the beach flags
On UK beaches the RNLI flag system tells you where and when it is safe to be in the water. Red and yellow flags mark the lifeguarded zone patrolled by RNLI lifeguards - the safest place to swim and bodyboard. Black-and-white chequered flags mark the zone for surfboards and other non-powered craft: this is where you ride with fins. A red flag means danger - do not go in the water. An orange windsock warns of offshore wind: never use inflatables, and be aware you can be blown out to sea.
Riding zones: where can you bodyboard?
Without swim-fins
Bodyboarding without fins, on a soft foam or beginner board, is generally fine within the lifeguarded swimming area marked by the red-and-yellow flags - always follow the lifeguards' direction.
With swim-fins
As soon as you put fins on, treat yourself like a surfer: stay out of the red-and-yellow swimming area and ride in the black-and-white chequered zone where the beach provides one. This keeps you clear of swimmers and in the right water for catching waves.
Rip currents
Rip currents are behind the great majority of surf and swimming rescues on the UK coast. The golden rule if you are caught in one is never to swim against it: stay with your board, let the current carry you out until it eases, then swim parallel to the beach until you are clear and let the waves bring you back in. Your board, held by the leash, is your first buoyancy aid if you tire. The RNLI's advice for anyone in trouble in the water is to Float to Live: lean back, spread your arms and legs, and float until the panic passes.
The particular risk of shorebreak
Lying prone exposes your head and neck if you fall in very shallow water, especially on the sandbanks where powerful shorebreak dumps. Always protect your head with your arms in a wipeout, and steer clear of spots known for heavy shorebreak (some Cornish and Devon beaches at low tide, for example) until you have the experience to handle them.
Emergency numbers to know
In any coastal or sea emergency in the UK, dial 999 (or 112) and ask for the Coastguard. HM Coastguard coordinates search and rescue around the UK coast 24 hours a day. Wherever you can, ride on a lifeguarded beach and let someone know before you head out beyond a patrolled area.
FAQ
Can I bodyboard in the swimming zone?
Only without swim-fins, on a soft foam beginner board. With fins, stay out of the red-and-yellow swimming area and use the surf zone between the black-and-white chequered flags.
What do I do if I'm caught in a rip current?
Don't fight the current. Stay with your board, let it carry you out until it eases, then swim parallel to the beach until you are clear and head back in with the waves.
Is a helmet compulsory for bodyboarding?
No, but it is strongly recommended on reef breaks or in hollow, shallow shorebreak to protect your head from impacts.
Why is lying prone risky in shorebreak?
It exposes your head and neck if you fall in very shallow water. Always protect your head with your arms in a wipeout and avoid powerful shorebreak until you have the experience.
What does the red flag mean?
A red flag means danger: do not go in the water. Conditions are hazardous, such as strong currents, big surf or high winds.
