Staying safe in the water

With over 100 islands, 1,500 bodies of fresh water and an incredible 1,700 miles of rugged coastline, you’re never far from the water in Shetland. The islands' residents have always had a close link with the sea, and today a large part of life revolves around going out on the water for business or pleasure, whether on a commercial fishing vessel, on sea tours, or wild swimming.

As beautiful as it is, water can be dangerous, and it’s important to be careful so you can enjoy the seas and lochs safely. Even experienced sailors, kayakers, anglers or swimmers must remember that Shetland is wilder than they may be used to.

And as most of the islands' water access is in quiet locations, there are no lifeguards or warning signs. Taking responsibility for your own safety is the top priority.

Tell someone

Whether you’re going on the water, into the water, or just alongside it, it’s always a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has developed the SafeTRX app for Apple and Android. It allows you to share your location and plans with friends or family, and, if necessary, alert emergency services.

In an emergency, the Coastguard and RNLI can be called on to assist. But by far the better outcome is to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of an emergency occurring. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Lerwick, and a rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh Airport. There are RNLI Lifeboat Stations in Lerwick and Aith.

Check the weather and tide

The weather in Shetland can change very quickly, going from a gorgeous sunny day to a thick blanket of fog (or vice versa!) in a very short period. The wind is always a consideration in Shetland and can strengthen, drop, or change direction quickly.

Always look at the coastal forecast and judge the day by what is predicted, not what the weather is right now. Tide times should also be checked to avoid getting caught out.

Have everything you need for safety

This will vary depending on your activity, but the essentials are a personal floatation device (life jacket), a means of calling for help (a personal locator beacon, fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, etc.), a wetsuit, something brightly-coloured (like a hi-vis hat), and a reliable map of the area. It is sensible to label your equipment with contact details so if any of it gets found, the Coastguard can check on your safety.

Ask advice

If you’re going sea kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, surfing, or wild swimming, join one of the local groups on social media and ask about the best places to go and anything to watch out for. For some activities guided tours are available. Beaches in Shetland do not have lifeguards or safety flag systems so you need to be extra careful.

Safety in numbers

If possible, swim, kayak or fish with a friend or in a group. If you get into trouble, there’s someone to call for help.

Check the water is safe to enter

Many lochs in Shetland are prone to blue-green algae blooms which can be toxic- especially to children and animals. Also make sure you know the signs of a rip current, and how to get out of one (don’t swim against the current, try to swim parallel to shore until you are free).

Get your paperwork

If you’re angling, make sure you have a fishing permit. These (and other valuable information about the sport in Shetland) are available from the Shetland Anglers' Association, visit our angling page for more information. If you prefer sea fishing, charters are usually available.

Approach carefully

It’s easy to slip and fall from any edge around water, not just sandy or rocky cliffs. Make sure you take care, especially when it’s slippery.

Don’t push yourself

Only do what you feel ready for, especially in unfamiliar waters. If you start to tire or feel unwell, leave the water immediately.

Don’t go out further than you can swim back. If you’re wild swimming, don’t go into depths you aren’t comfortable with, and swim parallel to the shore – not straight out.

Acclimatise to the water

If entering the water, do so slowly and let your body get used to the cold for a couple of minutes. Even in the height of summer, Shetland’s waters can be colder than you think, and can induce cold water shock. This is when the body reacts forcefully to being submerged in the cold, and you begin inhaling water. Even the best swimmer can be left helpless in moments if they enter cold water shock. It only takes a minute or two for the body to acclimatise- don’t rush!

Know how to get help

Make a mental note of any life rings or ropes around the periphery of the water – these are common at ports and marinas but seldom elsewhere. If you get stranded, or see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Keep an eye on your friends

If you’re out as part of a group, try to keep an eye on others. Someone in cold shock or experiencing difficulty might not be obvious until it’s too late, so be vigilant. Everyone should be looking out for each other.

Warm up

Shetland often has cold winds, so make sure to get dry and into warm clothes as soon as possible. A hot drink is a very good idea – you’ll have earned it, anyway.

Check everyone is safe

If you’re in a pair, or a group, make sure the others are okay. Do a head count to ensure everyone has made it back safely.

Be responsible

Shetland has some of the most beautiful and unspoiled scenery, and we’d like to keep it that way. Take everything with you, and leave the beach, lochside, marina or cliffs as you found them (or nicer, if possible).

There is nothing quite like the waters of Shetland, and they deserve to be admired and enjoyed – responsibly. So before you get your feet wet, make sure you’re going to do it safely (and bring a flask of hot tea and some bannocks for afterwards).

Plan your next watery adventure in Shetland.