I was taught simple rules for safe swimming in Hastings

I have followed the correspondence and articles in your paper concerning beach/swimming safety and the current lack of life guards with some interest. As a ‘London’ child who spent her summers with aunties at Eastbourne and Pevensey and an uncle at Hastings I had to remember certain rules before I was allowed to swim in the sea.

Only swim when the tide is coming in.

Only swim 2 hrs after a meal

Never play with inflatables in the sea – keep for a garden pool.

In those days there were no lifeguards and my cousin and I often swam alone.

It’s hard, especially when the tide is high and on the turn, to work out whether it is coming in or going out; the natural signs are not always very clear, even if you know what to look for.

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