Devon manages to fit two very different coastlines into one county, and that difference matters when you are planning a family day at the beach. The north coast meets the Atlantic head-on, with big swells, long sandy bays and some of the largest tides in the country. The south coast is generally calmer, more sheltered and better suited to younger children and nervous swimmers. Neither is automatically safer than the other — but knowing which one you are standing on is the first step to a relaxed day out.

Most beach incidents are not dramatic. They are the result of a tide coming in faster than expected, a child drifting out of sight for a few minutes, or a day in the sun that nobody planned for. A little forward thinking removes almost all of that stress.

Start with the tide, not the weather

On the north coast, the tidal range can approach ten metres. That is not a gentle swell and retreat; it is a landscape that changes shape twice a day. A beach that is a vast expanse of sand at ten in the morning can be underwater by early afternoon, and the water does not creep — on flat, gently shelving beaches it moves faster than most children can walk.

• Check the tide times for the exact beach you are visiting rather than the nearest town, as times vary along the coast.
• Plan around low water where possible and treat the time of high water as a hard deadline.
• Look behind you as well as out to sea. Cliffs, rocky headlands, slipways and harbour walls can all cut off your route back.
• Be wary of sandbanks and spits. They look like islands at low tide and disappear quickly on the flood.

Sun protection for a British seaside day

British sunshine is deceptive. A cooling sea breeze and a thin layer of cloud mean you can burn without ever feeling hot, and children in and out of the water lose sunscreen constantly.

• Use a high-factor, water-resistant sunscreen, applied twenty minutes before you leave the car and reapplied every two hours and after every swim.
• A long-sleeved rash vest is far more dependable than cream for children who are in and out of the water all day.
• Hats with a brim or a legionnaire flap, plus sunglasses, make a real difference.
• Create shade — a pop-up shelter, a parasol, or a windbreak with a sheet rigged across it. Aim to keep little ones out of direct sun between 11am and 3pm.
• Babies under six months should be kept in the shade at all times.

Swim where it is safe, and know the flags

Wherever possible, choose a beach with lifeguards on duty and swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark the patrolled zone. A single red flag means no swimming at all. Black and white chequered flags mark an area for surfboards and kayaks, so keep swimmers well clear. An orange windsock means an offshore wind — leave the inflatables in the car, because they will be blown out to sea within minutes.

Rip currents are the biggest hidden hazard. Look for a gap in the breaking waves, darker water, or a patch of unusually choppy surface between calmer sections. If you are caught in one, do not try to swim against it. Float on your back, raise one arm and shout for help, and if you can, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.

Armbands and inflatable rings are toys, not lifesaving equipment. They give confidence but no guarantee, and they are no substitute for an adult within arm's reach.

Keeping children close on a busy beach

• Dress children in bright, high-contrast swimwear — neon orange, yellow or pink are far easier to spot than blues and greens.
• Write your mobile number on a wristband and add the words "if lost, please call".
• Agree a meeting point and a landmark the moment you arrive, and walk them to it.
• Set clear boundaries: "you can go as far as that rock" works far better than "don't go too far".
• Nominate one adult as the watcher at any given time, and take turns. It is easy for two adults to assume the other is watching.
• Count heads every twenty minutes, and every time you move your spot.

Kit worth carrying, and small things that matter

• More water than you think you need — around two litres per person on a warm day.
• Beach shoes for shingle beaches, which are uncomfortable barefoot and hot underfoot.
• A windbreak, a large blanket and a bin bag for wet costumes.
• A small first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes and tweezers. Weever fish stings are common on sandy beaches; immerse the foot in water as hot as you can bear, which breaks down the venom.
• Coins or a payment card for parking, and a note of what time the car park closes.

Two final habits worth building. Fill in any holes you dig before you leave — deep holes collapse and trap children and animals. And take your litter home, including the bits that blow away.

If something goes wrong

If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Do not go in after them. Shout encouragement, keep them in sight, and throw something that floats. Teach children the float-to-live message: lie on your back, spread your arms and legs, and control your breathing until help arrives.

For jellyfish stings, rinse with seawater rather than fresh water and remove any visible tentacles. For anything more serious, the coastguard can direct you to the nearest help quickly. Knowing this in advance means you will never have to work it out in a panic — and that is exactly what makes a Devon beach day feel effortless.