Beach safety tips

UV and heat protection

In summer, heat waves (35-40 °C) and a very high UV index are possible. Protect yourself with light clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Use sunscreen. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat. Increase caution and protective measures for children.

Children

Young children under the age of three are particularly at risk of drowning and can drown in as little as 5 cm of water. Never leave a child unattended in or near water, even for a short time.

Swimming

On maintained beaches, you can swim to places marked with buoys. On natural beaches, do not swim more than 100 metres from the shore.

Currents

There is a possibility of strong currents. Do not go far from the shore on inflatable mattresses.

Beach activities

Avoid activities that you have no experience in. Avoid diving headfirst into the water unless you are entirely certain of its depth. Do not overestimate your physical and health abilities.

Personal belongings

Use lockers for storage; if none, do not leave your belongings unattended.

Active beach vacation

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is prohibited in the harbour entrance area, in narrow passages where the traffic (of ships, yachts and boats) takes place, and within the maintained beach area.

Swimming and diving

Bathing, swimming and diving are prohibited in ports, port entrances and in heavy traffic areas.

Water scooter rental

You must have a licence to operate a water scooter. Everyone onboard must wear a helmet and a life jacket, and the person operating the water scooter must wear a safety lanyard.
Do not exceed the recommended capacity of a water scooter.
Pleasure vessels must not be used in areas of heavy traffic or in entrances of ports and anchorages.
Use the safety corridor at reduced speed to reach a safe distance from the shore for gliding (at least 300 m from the shore).

Ne bacajte smeće u more i ne ostavljajte ga na obali i plažama

Environmental protection

Any kind of discharging waste into the sea or on the coats and beaches is prohibited.

All ports and marinas accept waste from vessels for a fee that is included in the mooring price.

Vessel safety

Nautical Information Service – nIS

Install the free smartphone app of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (MMPI) for nautical support and alerting emergency services. nIS

Vessel management

It is forbidden to operate a vessel without a licence and under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Do not exceed the capacity of the vessel.
Use only official marine navigation charts and publications.

Before setting sail

Check the vessel and equipment.
Check the medication, contents and condition of the first aid kit.
Check weather warnings.

Supplies

Ensure sufficient fuel and potable water onboard.

Speed and distance from shore

Respect the rules on navigation safety (navigation speed and distance from the coast)
Gliding is prohibited within 300 m of the coast.

Anchoring and swimming

It is prohibited to dock, anchor, moor, stay and sail in the maintained swimming area.
Except in areas where it is prohibited, anchoring is permitted only in a manner which does not endanger the safety of navigation, human lives, property, the coast and marine environment.
Swimmers from vessels are permitted to swim in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, when the vessel is securely anchored and the propeller is locked.

Weather forecasts

Monitor and obey weather warnings. Weather conditions can change rapidly.
Weather Forecast: DHMZ

MSI (Maritime Safety Information) messages

For all information on navigation safety, follow the MSI messages broadcast by all three coastal radio stations via the VHF system in English and Croatian. Broadcast times:

ORP Radio Split

Ch 07, Ch 21, Ch 23, Ch 28, Ch 81, Ch 84

05:45 / 12:45 / 19:45 / 00:45

Communication and distress calls

MRCC Rijeka (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) +385 195

VHF CH 16

Distress - MAYDAY (life-threatening emergency)
PAN PAN - urgency (engine failure, non-life-threatening injuries…)
SECURITE - safety messages (objects floating in the sea and posing a danger to navigation safety, out-of-service lighthouses or buoys)

Pyrotechnic devices

Pyrotechnic devices used at sea are parachute flares, hand flares and smoke signals. Flares and hand flares are used both during the day and night, while smoke signals are used exclusively during the day.

Hand signalling

If you need help at sea and don't have any signalling devices, signal evenly with your arms extended above your head.

Bura wind warning

Bura wind is the most dangerous wind on the Adriatic, not because of its speed and strength, but because it develops to high speeds in a very short time. If the weather forecast includes bura wind warning, even if it is not blowing, high wind speeds can occur in less than half an hour.
As a yachtsman, it is very important that you do not set sail during such weather warnings unless you really have to. If you are at sea, find shelter in coves that are protected from the northeast wind or in marinas, which are probably the safest place.