The River Mersey has a:- "macro tidal" regime, meaning the water rises higher and moves faster than almost anywhere else in the world.

• The Funnel Effect - The narrow gap between Liverpool and Birkenhead forces water to rise rapidly at speeds up to 5 knots.
   

• The "Gully" Trap - The tide fills low-lying channels (gullies) behind you first, turning sandbanks into:- "islands" and cutting you off.
   

• The 2 Hour Rule - Aim to be off the sand and back on the Promenade or Dunes around 2 hours before the high tide!

These are just the main issues that might affect you on the Merseyside Coastline when visiting the areas outstanding beaches. It is not designed to put you off but to alert you to hidden issues that unless you are local, you might not realise exist. Plus some of the issues might not be known to locals as well. Always stay alert on any beach as all beaches have hidden dangers. Always look for and follow posted warning advice and always check tide times. It is worth adding that along the Merseyside coastline, the RNLI provides Seasonal Lifeguard Patrols across approximately:- 30 miles to 35 miles of shoreline. Crosby is the only Beach with 365 day cover, though it is a non-bathing beach. Most other locations are seasonal.

All Sandy Beach Areas on the Mersey Coastline...

• Jellyfish - along our coastline some can causes:- 'excruciating pain’ or even 'kill' if touched. Keep a wide distance away from any washed up and do not make contact with them.
   

• Weaver Fish - Weever fish are an unpleasant way to end a fun day at the beach. These fish are found conceal themselves in shallow sand. They have camouflaged venomous dorsal spines that stick out above the surface. Always wear:- beach shoes, sandals or wellies if you’re going for a paddle on the beach, as the venomous fish's sting causes:- 'excruciating pain.' They pose a risk to swimmers and paddlers. Especially if to paddlers if the tide is out, if you’re unlucky enough to plant your foot on top of one, lie on it, or put you hand on it! For first aid advice click here or call:- 111 for advice.
   

Southport and The Ribble Estuary

• Quicksand - Southport is a:- "deposition zone" for fine silt. Mud can liquefy under your weight.
   

• Marshside - North of the pier, the ground is extremely unstable and dangerous for walkers and dogs.
   

• Cold Water Shock - If you fall in, Float to Live. Lean back and spread your limbs.
   

• Boat Launches - Lifeboat, Small Boats, RIBs and jet skies are occasionally launched from these beaches.

Ainsdale

• Palm Oil Alert - Watch for white, waxy lumps. These are toxic and often fatal to dogs if eaten.
   

• Kite Zone Dangers - Beware of designated extreme kite sports areas.
   

• Vehicles - Do not sit or lie down in vehicle access areas; watch children closely for cars or vans.

Freshfield and Formby Point

• Collapsing Dunes - Never sit beneath or stand on the edge of a dune (cliff). Erosion is rapid and collapses can be fatal.
   

• Cattle - Keep dogs on a lead at all times inside grazing enclosures. Do not feed cattle and give them a wide berth.

Altcar Training Camp (Rifle Range)

The North end of Hightown Beach borders a premier Army firing range.

• Red Flags/Lights - If Red Flags are flying (day) or Red Lights are on (night), live firing is in progress. Entry is strictly forbidden. You might be shot!
   

• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) - If you spot a suspicious object (may look like a rusty pipe or canister), mark the spot and call 999.

Crosby

• The 50 Metre Rule - Stay within 50 metres of the promenade. Mud near the:- "Iron Men" statues is exceptionally liquid.
   

• Ship Wakes - Large ships create:- "suction" that can suddenly pull water out and return it as a powerful surge.
   

• No Swimming - Crosby is a non-bathing beach due to lethal currents.

Another Place - Antony Gormley's Sculptures (Crosby to Seaforth)

• The 50m Rule - Safety experts (RNLI and Sefton Council) advise staying within 50 metres of the promenade. Venturing further out puts you at high risk of becoming trapped.

Seaforth

• Non-Bathing Status - Unlike Ainsdale or West Kirby, these are strictly non-bathing areas. The water quality is heavily impacted by shipping lanes.
   

• Oil and Sediment - Visitors often report:- "oil sediment" washing up on the shore, creating a dirty slick in the sand.
   

• The Danger - As a ship passes, water may suddenly recede, only to return as a:- "powerful, fast moving surge."
   

• Physical Injury - Hidden under the sand are sharp pieces of iron, rebar, and industrial masonry.

Port Boundary Hazards to Liverpool Pier Head

• Restricted Zones - The Northern end of Seaforth is a high security port area. Heavy HGV (lorry) traffic is common.
   

• Noise Pollution - Docks operate 24/7. This can make it difficult to hear verbal warnings from lifeguards or sirens indicating an incoming tide.

New Brighton & The Wirral

• Hilbre Island (West Kirby) - You must leave the island 3 hours before high water.
   

• Lateral Currents - Water moves sideways around the Wirral; only swim between red and yellow flags.
   

• Toxic Algae - In late summer, West Kirby Marine Lake may have Blue-Green Algae, which is fatal to dogs.
   

• Boat Launches - Lifeboat, Small Boats, RIBs and jet skies are occasionally launched from these beaches.

The HM Coastguard rule::- "If you can feel the spray, you are too close."

1. The "Ice Slick" Promenade

Sea spray mixes with salt and algae, making concrete as slippery as ice. Walking near the edge can cause you to slide toward the sea.

2. "Green Water" and Vertical Overtopping

1 cubic meter of seawater weighs:- 1,000 kilograms (1 tonne.) At New Brighton, waves hit vertical walls and explode upwards up to:- 12.192 meters (40 feet). This "green water" can sweep cars across roads.

3. Debris Projectiles

Storm waves often hurl objects like shingle, rocks, and large timber (driftwood) onto walkways with high velocity.

You might not think about this but thunderstorms are a significant and often underestimated hazard. Because the beaches are vast, flat, and open, you often become the highest object in the area. "30/30 Rule" - If the time between the:- "flash" and the "bang" is 30 seconds or less, the storm is within 6 miles and you are in immediate danger. If in the water, exit immediately.

• Do Not Lie Flat - This increases the surface area for ground currents to reach you.
   

• The "Lightning Crouch" - Squat down low on the balls of your feet with your heels touching. Place your hands over your ears and tuck your head. The goal is to have the minimal amount of contact with the ground.

• The "Human Lightning Rod" Effect - On open sands like Ainsdale or Crosby, you are often effectively the tallest point for miles, significantly increasing risk.
   

• Conductive Environment - Saltwater and wet sand are excellent conductors of electricity. A lightning strike hitting water nearby can travel through the wet ground to reach you.

1. Do Not Touch - Never move suspicious objects. WWII ordnance remains unstable.
    

2. Mark the Spot - Use a stick or clothing to mark the location 10m away. Use the What3Words app.
    

3. Call 999 - Ask for the Coastguard immediately.
    

4. Keep Dogs Leashed - Curious pets are at the highest risk near:- "Blitz Beach" rubble or grazing cattle.