Ripping Yarns- Between the Flags
Bodyboarding, bathing, and being careful at Croyde Bay
Some people come to Croyde for the view.
Some for the walks.
But let’s be honest — many just want to get in the sea.
And that’s brilliant. The waves are famous. The beach is stunning. The smiles are real.
But the sea isn’t always gentle — and every year, people who didn’t mean to get into trouble… do.
So this blog isn’t here to put you off. It’s here to give you the basics.
A local’s guide to having fun without finding yourself in over your head.
What the beach flags mean
If the beach is lifeguarded — and Croyde usually is from Easter through the season — the coloured flags they put out are not just suggestions.
They tell you where it’s safe to swim, what the conditions are, and what’s allowed where.
Red & Yellow Flags
This is the safe zone. Lifeguards are watching this area.
If you’re swimming, bodyboarding, or just bobbing about, this is where to do it.
Outside of it? Expect a whistle — or worse, a situation.
Red Flag
Do not go in the water. Conditions are dangerous — high surf, powerful rips, or something the lifeguards know that you don’t.
It’s not a killjoy flag — it’s a “go get an ice cream instead” flag.
Yellow Flag
Caution. The sea’s a bit more punchy today. Only confident swimmers should go in — and even then, take care. No inflatables.
Black & White Chequered Flags
This is the zone for hard surfboards and watercraft — not swimmers.
If you’re on a board with fins and a leash, this is your space.
Everyone else? Stay well clear.
No Flags
No lifeguards. No safety net. It’s not illegal to swim — but the sea won’t go easier on you just because no one’s watching.
Want to know more?
The RNLI has a brilliant guide to beach flags and sea safety, with clear pictures and simple explanations:
👉 https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety/beach-flags
If you’re reading this blog, that page might keep someone safe.
And if you found it useful — even if you’re not swimming — consider tipping the RNLI with a donation.
Think of it like tipping a great waiter, lifeguard edition:
https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate
Rips: the danger that doesn’t look like danger
Rips don’t look scary — but they’re the biggest reason people get rescued at sea.
They’re fast-moving streams of water that pull you out from the beach.
Not down. Not under. Just out — and fast.
Ironically, they often look like the calmest bit of sea.
That’s because the water is being pulled through a channel, not bouncing back in waves.
Signs of a rip:
A flat, darker patch of water between waves
Fewer breaking waves in one area
Sand or foam flowing seaward
A “gap” in the surf that looks deceptively friendly
If you get caught in one:
Don’t panic
Don’t try to swim straight back — it’s like swimming against a river
Let it take you out a bit, then swim sideways, across the current
If tired, float and raise one hand — you’ll be seen
If you see someone else in trouble:
Tell a lifeguard immediately
Don’t try to rescue them yourself — that’s how helpers become casualties
Bodyboarding and bellyboarding basics
Bodyboarding is one of Croyde’s great joys. No skill barrier. No wetsuit needed in summer. Just a good wave and a grin.
But it’s still the sea — and a few basics go a long way:
Use a proper soft-top board — not a cheap one that snaps
Stay between the red and yellow flags
Don’t go deeper than your depth
No fins unless you’ve done it before and know what you’re doing
Keep your eyes on the waves, and listen out for lifeguards
Bellyboarding — the old wooden board kind — is making a comeback, and it’s lovely.
It’s not about speed — it’s about timing. Catch the wave, push off, and glide to shore like a kid again.
If you’re not sure what the lifeguards are thinking — look at their body language.
If they look jumpy or keep checking a patch of sea — that patch matters.
When the lifeguards clock off
The sea doesn’t shut. But your support does.
If you swim outside of hours:
Know the tides (we have a tide clock on the wall and a book on the breakfast bar — use them)
Stay in your depth
Don’t go in alone
Don’t drift — there’s no one watching
And if in doubt: sit it out. There’s always tomorrow’s tide.
Why this matters
Because too many lovely days have gone wrong from not knowing this stuff.
We don’t want your holiday to be remembered for the rescue, the panic, or the could-have-been.
We want you grinning, not gasping.
Croyde is wonderful. The sea is wonderful.
And if you treat it with respect, you’ll get nothing but joy back.