Safety

Identify the hazards and decide how you are going to avoid them.

• Appropriate footwear may help overcome problems such as slippery surfaces. Ensure that a note goes out with this information on it.
• Boundaries need to be set beyond which no child must go.
• The appropriate number of children to each adult for the particular site needs to be calculated.
• Choose sites that have easy access in case of an emergency.
• Note any dangerous litter. Contact the council to have it removed or plan to include it in your safety talk.

• The council may be able to open up toilets for you.

Decide where you can gather everybody together.
• You will need to do this at the beginning in order to explain safety measures and to point out features on the site.

• If you are pond dipping, for instance, ensure that the banks are suitable.

• Check the tide table. It is best to start exploring the beach when the tide is halfway out and falling.
• Check that there is no work scheduled, such as river bank restoration or sea defense work, that might jeopardise your visit.
• Consider setting an alternative appropriate date in case of bad weather.
• Again, make sure this date gives the right conditions, such as tides.

Contact the landowner.

• Even if there is public access it is a good idea to let the landowner know that you are coming. S/he will be able to give you extra information or may even offer to talk to the children about the site.

First Aid

• Check the kit and ensure that everybody knows who is responsible for First Aid on the day.

Equipment.

• Teach children how to use equipment safely before you start.

Decide on your set of safety and conservation rules and remind the children at the beginning of the visit. You might like to consider the following:

Dos:

• Use all your senses, including common sense!
• Stay with the adult that is responsible for you.
• Listen out to instructions.
• Always put live things back where you found them.
• Only disturb things if you need to.
• Wash your hands before eating.

Don'ts:

• Don't run or mess around near the water.
• Don't leave any litter.
• Don't pick up litter unless it is part of an organised activity.