CoastSmart

CoastSmart is a pilot project in the Pacific Rim region of British Columbia designed to enhance coastal safety along the shoreline and in the surfzone. CoastSmart is a communication and education campaign which highlights the hazards at beaches along the coastline between Tofino and Ucluelet, helps people avoid those hazards and provides advice to keep people safe as they enjoy coastal recreation.

Learn More at CoastSmart.ca

HOW TO BE COASTSMART

    NEAR THE WATER

    • Take time and observe the conditions closely before you step out onto the shoreline
    • Keep an eye on the incoming waves and stay alert
    • Check the daily tidal information
    • Stay in arm’s reach of your children when near the water
    • Stay off drift logs if the tide or swell is high

    IN THE WATER

    • The Pacific Ocean is cold! Stay warmer with a wetsuit
    • Learn surf etiquette and how to navigate the surf zone
    • Stay in shallow water, unless you are trained and suited
    • Be alert to the effects of cold water
    • Know how to avoid a rip current, and how to escape one if caught

    HOW TO BE PREPARED

      TRIP PLANNING
      • Plan your time.
      • Don’t get trapped by high tides.
      • Know where you are going.
      • Check beach signs for your location.
      • Know the terrain and check the weather and wave forecasts.
      TRAINING
      • Take a lesson.
      • Learn about the hazards and how to mitigate them.
      • Review this website for safety tips.
      TAKING THE ESSENTIALS
      • Take a communications device (phone, personal locator beacon, VHF radio).
      • Bring the essentials (water, food, warm and weather proof clothing, appropriate footwear, flashlight).
      • Considering the hazards, take appropriate equipment for the activity (wetsuit, personal floatation device).