Visitors heading to the Sefton Coast this Bank Holiday weekend are being urged to plan their journeys carefully, with roads, car parks and beaches expected to be busy.
Sefton Council has issued advice ahead of the final Bank Holiday weekend of the year, which coincides with the school holidays and the Southport Air Show.
Although the weather forecast is not expected to bring the hot and sunny conditions seen during parts of the summer, the council says the coast could still attract large numbers of visitors.
People are being encouraged to consider travelling by train or bus where possible to avoid congestion, while those planning a beach walk are advised to visit later in the afternoon when the tide will be going out.
Spring tides are expected across the weekend, bringing larger tidal ranges and potentially rapidly changing conditions.
Visitors are being warned that less sand may be exposed than usual on some beaches and that incoming tides can quickly cut off routes back to shore.
Anyone travelling to or through Southport should also expect additional traffic because of the Southport Air Show.
For those driving, parking is available at Ainsdale Beach at a cost of £10 for the day, while a number of car parks are available around Crosby Beach.
The National Trust also operates two car parks at Formby, although these can fill quickly during busy periods.
Parking enforcement officers will be on patrol throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, with the council warning that illegal or dangerous parking will not be tolerated.
Drivers are also being reminded not to block residential streets or routes required by the emergency services.
Water safety advice
Anyone planning to swim should check the beach safety flags before entering the water and only swim between red and yellow flags when lifeguards say conditions are safe.
Visitors should not enter the water when solid red flags are being displayed.
Crosby Beach remains a non-bathing beach and people are advised not to enter the water at any time. Visitors should also remain within 50 metres of the promenade sea wall.
People entering the sea elsewhere are advised to do so slowly because of the risk of cold water shock and to be aware of strong currents.
Anyone who gets into difficulty should follow the RNLI’s ‘Float To Live’ advice.
In the event of an incident in the water, people should call 999 and ask specifically for the Coastguard.
Barbecues and alcohol banned
Sefton Council is also reminding visitors that barbecues and open fires are not permitted anywhere on the coast.
The warning follows wildfires elsewhere in the country and a recent fire at Formby, highlighting the risk of serious damage to the area’s habitats.
Visitors are also asked not to bring alcohol onto the beach and to either use bins provided or take their rubbish home.
Police will be present at locations across Sefton during the weekend, with anti-social behaviour able to be reported to Merseyside Police on 101.
Dog restriction zones remain in place at Ainsdale Beach and Southport Beach, while owners are asked to keep pets away from pools and give feeding and resting birds plenty of space.
Sefton Council said visitors should respect nearby residents, local wildlife and the coastline during their visit.
More information to help people plan their journey is available through Sefton Council’s beach trip information service.
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