iCoast - Explore the Dorset coast

What to look out for

The Dorset coast is not only fantastic for windsurfing, it is also amazing for seeing wildlife such as seabirds and seals, and dolphins in their natural environment and for enjoying the unique World Heritage status geology along the Jurassic Coast. The waters can get busy, especially close to amenity beaches, so it is important to respect wildlife, other users and the environment while you enjoy windsurfing on the Dorset coast.

Do your bit:

Watch out for wildlife and the environment

Please follow these steps to make sure that you do not disturb or damage wildlife while you are windsurfing on the Dorset coast:

• If you are going to be windsurfing at any areas that are important for wildlife, then respect the wildlife that is there.
  • We have several areas that are important for birds on the Dorset coast including a Special Protection Area at Poole Harbour, between the between mean high and mean low water mark. The western and northern parts of Portland Harbour are also very important for over wintering birds. It is important not to disturb roosting or nesting birds at high tide at certain times of the year:
    • Between November and March birds are “over wintering” and need to conserve energy reserves.
    • Between Mid April and the end of June birds are breeding. If birds are disturbed during this time then birds can abandon eggs or chicks.
• Don’t linger for too long when you are close to wildlife- by all means look, but then move on.
• Avoid eelgrass sensitive areas - Within Poole Harbour, close to Whitley Lake, there are some eelgrass bed sensitive zones which are marked with buoys. It is important that windsurfers do not windsurf or trample the seabed in these areas because eelgrass beds:
  • Provide a sheltered habitat for lots of invertebrate species, cuttlefish, fish, and spiny and short-snouted seahorses.
  • Provide a food resource for over wintering birds such as brent geese, wigeon and mute swans.
  • Stabilize the sediment in Poole Harbour

To find out more about eelgrass beds in Poole Harbour see the Poole Harbour Eelgrass leaflet.

• Report live strandings of cetaceans, and injured/entangled marine mammals to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 01825 765546 (24 hours). Report all other live injured or entangled animals to RSPCA 08705 555999

Watch out for other users

• Look out for other windsurfers – Windsurfers can travel at very fast speeds so it is important to know the “rules of the road” so you know what to do if it looks like you are on a collision course with another windsurfer. The following rules also apply when you meet a small dinghy:
  • Port tack (when the wind blows onto the left side of the board) gives way to starboard tack (when the wind blows onto the right side of the board)
  • Windward boat keep clear of leeward board (the one closer to where the wind is coming from gives way to the one downwind)
  • If you want to over take a windsurfer then you must keep well clear while going past.
  • When windsurfing in waves, the windsurfer going out has priority of the sailing coming in.

• Look out for other water users –
  • Swimmers and surfers have right of way over windsurfers in all circumstances.
  • Kitesurfers do not have a clear port or starboard configuration so they don’t necessarily follow the “rules of the road” therefore give them plenty of room, especially if you are downwind of the kitesurfer.
  • Windsurfers can manoeuvre faster than larger sailing boats so be courteous and keep out of the way of sailing boats.
  • Large powered boats such as ferries, fishing boats, ships and tankers all operate in Dorset waters, stay alert and keep out of their way when windsurfing. 

• Look out for other beach users –
  • Always take your board to the beach first and make sure you push it down into the sand if it is windy. An unattached sail rig should never be left on the beach because they can blow away quickly and could injure someone.
  • Look around the beach, if it’s too busy then don’t launch.
  • Launch from Black and white flags - This means that the lifeguards can still keep a safe eye on you and there shouldn’t be any swimmers. Use iCoast to find out which beaches have surf lifeguards on the Dorset coast.

Only windsurf if you:

• Are a competent swimmer
• Are wearing a helmet and a buoyancy aid
• Have checked all your equipment and repaired any damage
• Have a signalling or communication device so you can call for help if you need to
• Know that the conditions are right for your capability. Check the weather and tides and make sure you are aware of local hazards – Learn to interpret tide tables and weather forecasts
• Have told someone responsible ashore where you are going and when you will be back. They will be able to raise the alarm by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard if they get worried and you are not back on time.
• Have written your full contact details on all your equipment 
• Know your limits – do not get in the water in conditions above your capability
• Be sun smart
  • Always wear SPF factor 30 and above waterproof sun cream. Reapply frequently
  • Drink plenty of fluids as you dehydrate faster while exercising
  • Consider taking a rest and seeking shade during the hottest part of the day
• Never go to far out to sea, make sure that you would be able to swim back to shore if there was an emergency

Make sure you come ashore before dusk or in fading light

Help, I’ve been stung!

• Weever-fish - If you feel a sharp scratch on your foot while in the water that becomes more painful you may have stood on a weever-fish. Don’t panic but find a lifeguard for treatment. If there’s no lifeguard, place the affected area in water as hot as is comfortable. Test the water first so you don’t cause scalding.
• Jellyfish - Do not rub a jellyfish sting, as this will cause the pain to intensify. Lightly spray the area with seawater and apply a cold compress if available.

For more information about how to stay safe when windsurfing then read this booklet about safety in the surf.