Coastal safety warning for Lincolnshire holidaymakers as visitor numbers rise

Holidaymakers heading to the Lincolnshire coast this spring and summer are being urged to take extra care, with safety advice issued ahead of what is expected to be another busy season for resorts across the county. The warning comes as police and resort teams prepare for large crowds in coastal areas, including places popular with day trippers and families such as Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes. Fast-moving tides, unstable mud and the risk of becoming cut off on sandbanks are among the main concerns being highlighted. For Lincolnshire readers, the message will be familiar.

Our coastline is one of the county's biggest draws when warmer weather arrives, bringing a sharp increase in visitors to beaches, promenades and seafront attractions. But alongside the appeal of a day by the sea comes a set of hazards that can catch people out quickly, especially those less familiar with local conditions. Police say patrols will be stepped up in coastal areas during the holiday period, both on foot and in vehicles. The advice is not only about the shoreline itself, but also about staying safe in busy resort towns.

Visitors are being encouraged to report nuisance behaviour early, stay together on nights out and make plans for getting home safely. There is also a strong warning about the sea and beach environment. Visitors have been told to be aware of how quickly tides can move in and to leave sandbanks well before high tide. Mud is another serious risk.

Areas that appear firm can suddenly give way, leaving people stuck knee-deep or worse. Anyone who notices the beach becoming soft underfoot is advised to stop and retrace their steps. If someone does become trapped in mud, the guidance is to stay still to avoid sinking further, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Families visiting the coast are also being pointed towards schemes designed to make busy days out safer.

The Sandi Starfish scheme offers signposted meeting points and free bright wristbands for children and vulnerable adults, helping reunite people if they become separated in crowded resort areas. In Mablethorpe, visitors are also being encouraged to make use of the Atlantis Alliance Hub at Queen's Park Beach Huts. The hub provides safety information, advice and reassurance, as well as child-friendly items including stickers and colouring books. Taken together, the guidance is a reminder that Lincolnshire's coast can be both welcoming and unpredictable.

With visitor numbers expected to swell over the coming months, officials are asking people to enjoy what the seaside has to offer while keeping a close eye on the conditions around them. A little planning, and acting early when something feels wrong, could make all the difference.

This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.