Water Safety

Dive into the rejuvenating waters of Firestone Bay, one of the UK’s officially designated bathing water sites, and discover the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of open water swimming.

Join ACE Swimming for a guided swim session or venture out on your own. Before embarking on your aquatic adventure, ensure your safety with these essential tips:

• Always swim with a buddy and inform someone on shore of your plans
• Check weather forecasts and tide times and conditions before heading out
• Equip yourself with the right gear, including a wetsuit, brightly coloured swimming hat, and tow float
• Carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle to attract attention
• Acclimate slowly to the water's temperature and allow time for your body to get used to the cold. Never jump or dive straight in, as this could cause cold water shock.
• To help yourself acclimatise, splash the cold water on your neck and face. Try not to hold your breath for an extended time when you first get into the water. Know your limit and don’t stay in too long
• Stay within your depths and swim parallel to the shore. Keep an eye on your exit point and make sure you can return to it
• If you are in difficulty, remember ‘FLOAT to live’: tilt your head back and submerge your ears. Relax and try to control your breathing. Move your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s OK if your legs sink, everyone floats differently. Once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety
• In a coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 for the coastguard
• Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a warm drink for after your swim. It is important to warm yourself up carefully

Experience the serenity of stand-up paddleboarding along the picturesque coastline bordering Royal William Yard. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-time adventurer, SUP offers a unique perspective of our maritime environment.

Join South West SUP for expert guidance, social paddles, yoga sessions and special events. Or you can chart your own course and take your own paddleboard out and see Plymouth from a different perspective.

Familiarise yourself with safety advice:

• Take lessons to develop your skills and knowledge
• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. Be aware, the conditions can change quickly. If in doubt don’t go out
• Be aware of your environment and hazards. Understand the location you are in – does it change the equipment you need?
• Wear suitable clothing for the time of year - consider wearing a wetsuit. It’ll help you stay warm and can increase your buoyancy, so you can stay in the water for longer
• If you can, go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty
• Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Don't leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device

• If you are in difficulty, remember ‘FLOAT to live’: tilt your head back and submerge your ears. Relax and try to control your breathing. Move your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s OK if your legs sink, everyone floats differently. Once you are over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety
• In a coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 for the coastguard

At Royal William Yard, we want you to enjoy the water and be safe while doing so. We partner with the RNLI on a number of events and the advice they provide about staying safe in the water is an essential read – click here for more information.

Join community events at Firestone Bay and learn valuable skills to ensure a fun and secure experience on the water. Take advantage of resources such as Wave after Wave, a local water safety initiative dedicated to making our waters more accessible and safer for all.

Know where safety equipment is kept, if you’re a regular user of the water at Royal William Yard:

• Floating devices are located around the Marina and waterfront
• Defibrillator is located near the main entrance to Royal William Yard, by Wildwood (What Three Words = Scare/Tester/Drums)