tips for travel

It is possible to do these three attractions in a single day providing you set out early and plan your day.

As we live in Playa Blanca
we travelled north on the LZ-2 via San Bartholme and Teguise into the mountains in the north where we made our first stop at the Mirador Del Rio. This is a cafeteria cut into the mountains in the north and has the most spectacular views of the island you could possible want to see
so a camera is a must.

After a drink and a snack
we continued North and then turned at the top of the island and made our descent to sea level
where we saw an array of different coloured sands blown across the sea from the Sahara desert. If you are into beaches
you might want to stop off here to explore the many bays on offer.

Shortly after this we arrived at our second attraction
the Jameos del Agua. Enchanting
Mystical & Magical
the three most common words used to describe a place created as a result of a formation of gas explosions within a volcanic bubble. Over the years
seawater has flooded the tunnels so that eventually a lagoon has been left behind. A lagoon that is home to thousands of tiny white crabs that have become blind through many years of living in poor light
a lagoon that has a bar and a restaurant and even a nightclub three times a week !

Almost next door
we found our second attraction of the day - La Cueva de los Verdes
one of the longest volcanic galleries in the world at 6km long and there is surprise element to this tour which I cannot tell you about otherwise it would spoil your visit. You need to be reasonably fit and healthy as you need to climb several stairs and bend over in order to get under many low recesses. It is impossible to take a pushchair into the caves
so go prepared.
We had an hour to kill at the end of the day
so we stopped off at the Jardin de Cactus which is on the way back. Here we saw 1
400
different species all planted together in a small area of land to create the beautiful Cactus Garden.
A great day out and the children really enjoyed it and they slept like logs that night !

The Monta๑as del Fuego (Fire Mountains)
to give them there proper name were created in the 1730’s when more than 100 volcanos in what is now the National Park
rose up to devastate the southern part of the island. Eruptions lasted for six years and several villages were completely destroyed. The last eruption on the island was in 1824.

Because Lanzarote has such low rainfall (and therefore a lack of erosion) the area appears much as it did at the time and in 1968 the area was declared a national park “Parque Nacional de Timanfaya”.

We decided to make a full day of this trip and we firmly believe that this a must see for any visitor to the island
because of its unique 'martian' landscape and rare plant species. On entry to the national park (entrance was around 8 euros per person
as I recall
and the small children were free as is usual at many of the islands attractions)
the first thing to catch our eye were camels and of course we had to stop because the children wanted a ride !

An hour or so later
we arrived at the Car park of the Islote de Hilario
where we saw a crowd of people standing around a hole. This was to be the first of two quite stunning demonstrations of just how hot the area is just below the ground. We were told that temperatures a few metres below ground are a staggering 400ฐC to 600ฐC.

Dry bushes were thrown into a hole and in less than a minute
it caught fire !

Water was then poured into a bore hole and seconds later the water erupted back into the air as steam and we all got a warm shower because we were standing on the wrong side.

Next up was the 'El Diablo' restaurant
another creation of the famous artist (Cesar Manrique)
whose influence is everywhere on the island. Here we find traditional Canarian food cooked using geothermal heat (A cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the ground). Where else in the world can you get your food cooked on a volcano !

We then went on a coach trip of the National Park (part of the entrance fee). If your feeling a little queasy or don’t like heights don’t sit by the window as it can be quite scary (but very safe and the children absolutely loved it). The coach stops at several strategic points in order that you can get some amazing pictures and film (so don’t forget to take the camera/video with you). During the trip we listened to recorded narration based on words captured by the priest of Yaiza at the time of the eruptions.

Another great day and another great attraction.

Haria is the most northern of Lanzarotes seven municipalities. It can thank the Sahara Desert and strong winds for what some regard as Lanzarote finest beaches.

The entire coastline is known as Malpaํs de la Corona (“badlands”) and is strewn with white and golden sand which mingles intimately with volcanic magma forming small sheltered bays (a number of which are featured in this article)
which are ideal for swimming. This preominently rural area harbours many of the natural marvels of Lanzarote such as Jameos del Agua and La Cueva de Los Verdes (See my related article 23xx on these attractions).
Our first of five beaches being reviewed in this area is known as El Calet๓n Blanco (“The big inlet”) measuring half a kilometre long and 9 m. wide
consisting of fine white sand.

Camping is also permitted on the beach
but you’ll need to get prior municipal approval at the Lanzarote Town Council (Cabildo). There is ample space for parking and the guaguas (autobus) also stops here.

Our second beach is known as El Risco
measuring 845m long and 8m wide and consisting of fine white sand. This beach gets very windy
although Isla Graciosa shelters it to a degree from the rougher seas. It is a 400m climb down (and back up !)
so not for the faint hearted. The waves are moderate.

Our third Beach is known as Caleta Caballo
measuring 60 m long and 7m wide and consisting of white sand with pebbles. It is windy with moderate waves offering good conditions for windsurfing. This is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

Our fourth Beach in this area is known as Caleta del Moj๓n
measuring 100 m long and 13m wide and consisting of fine white sand and picon (the small black lava stones often found in gardens).

Our fifth and final Beach in this area is known as La Garita
measuring 810m long and 5m wide and consisting of fine white/golden sand. Calm waters make this a good practising ground before you take on the stronger waves elsewhere in the area. Unlike the other rural beaches
this one is in a semi-urban area
has a boardwalk and services such as restaurants
refreshment stands
telephones
parking area
washrooms and even a children’s play area. It is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

Teguise is one of the largest and most popular of Lanzarotes seven municipalities. It includes Famara (in the north) and Costa Teguise
(in the south).

If your mathematical formula for fun on the beach is “Water=Waves”
then you should be heading for the northern coastline that takes in Famara (and neighbouring La Santa – See article “13 Lanzarote beaches – Tinajo”).
Our first of six beaches being reviewed in this area is known as Famara
measuring 6 kilometres long by 100 m (the biggest beach in Lanzarote). Fine golden sand
a constant wind and ever present strong swells against a backdrop of mountains makes this worth visiting
but the strong currents in this area can be a problem
so keep small children well within your reach.

The surf in this part of the island is world famous (so it’s hardly surprising that Famara is often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe). Large waves crash into the beach
and roll up the fine white sand towards the beach road
making it a surfers paradise. Behind the road you’ll find a large area of sand dunes
a perfect sheltered base from which to view proceedings.

The village nearby has a few restaurants and cafe bars where you can enjoy a quiet drink – but it’s all very laid back and has a UK/Sunday feel about the whole place.

Close to the village of La Caleta
it can be reached by guaguas (autobus).
Our second beach takes us to a semi-developed area known as Ensenada de la Calleta
400
long by 12 m wide and fine white sand. This beach is located alongside Arrecife and the port area of Mแrmoles. This beach is much visited
for its calm waters despite the wind that blows constantly. You can reach this beach by guaguas (autobus) and there are several services available including hammocks/parasols
restaurants/bars
parking and showers.

Our third beach is known as Las Cucharas and is in the main holiday resort of Costa Teguise. This sheltered beach is 640m long consisting of fine sand and placid waters.
surrounded by big hotels and apartments where architecture and landscape have been harmoniously integrated. The beach is nevertheless ideal for windsurfing and offers a full range of services from hammocks/parasols to bars/restaurants along its promenade to telephones
parking
good wheelchair access
bus stop and rental of a wide range of sports equipment.

Our fourth beach
another Costa Teguise favourite
is known as Los Charcos. At 250 m long and 30m wide and consisting of fine white sand
clear water and cooling winds
it’s hardly surprising. This beach is is on the coastline alongside Puerto del Carmen (covered in another article of mine entitled “12 Lanzarote Beaches – Tias”). The tranquillity of the sea in this area is due to the breakwater which shelters it from the strong waves and currents. There is a docking area and seaside boardwalk
together with services including hammocks/parasols
parking
quaquas (autobus).

Our fifth beach is known as Bastiแn
375
long
15
wide
consisting of fine white sand mixed with gravel and clear water. This beach is situated in a semi-developed zone of Costa Teguise and offers a complete range of services that include hammocks/parasols
parking
guaguas (autobus) and finally
our sixth beach is El Jablillo
350
20
wide
fine white sand mixed with gravel with quiet waters in a relatively windy area. Services include telephones
parking
guaguas (autobus) and a range of bars & restaurants.

Arrecife is the smallest of the islands seven municipalities and house the islands new capital (having taken over the mantel from Teguise at the end of the 18th century). Like neighbouring San Bartholme
there are relatively few beaches in this area
although the two that follow are well a visit.

Arrecife (the name originates from the abundance of reefs and islets along its short coast)
has a skyline totally dominated by the islands tallest building (the Grand Hotel) which you may have seen during your approach to the airport. The first beach is known as El Reducto
a picturesque European Union
‘Blue Flag’ beach set in an almost enclosed bay and measuring half a kilometre by 45m wide with calm waters and fine golden sands.
To one end of the beach you will find a park with palm trees and benches designed as a monument of a ship wreck. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds
this beach is for you as it is frequented only by locals rather than tourists.

As you would expect from a ‘city beach’
El Reducto boasts excellent services from its coastal promenade including showers
public telephones
bar/restaurants
wheelchair access
parking and is easily reached by guaguas (autobus). One of the major attractions of this beach is the "Charco de San Gines” lagoon
a natural pond formed by sea water housing a collection of small boats belonging to inshore fishermen
who live around the lagoon.

The beach was landscaped in conjunction with the Cesar Manrique who grew up in this area and who held his first exhibition in the San gines Lagoon area.
If you’re planning a trip here or to neighbouring El Cable Beach (below)
check to find out if there are any festivals going on at the time as these offer a unique authentic insight into canarian life on the island.
The second and final beach in Arrecife is just along the costs and is known as El Cable. It measures 315m.long and 18m wide and consists of fine golden sand. El Cable is windy with moderate waves which makes it good for windsurfing and be found next to the development of the same name.
The beach can be prone to local pollution which puts it off limits from time to time. Services include showers
public telephones and bars/restaurants. It is easy to park locally.

San Bartholme is the most central of the islands seven municipalities separating the two contrasting landscapes of the north and south of the island. There are relatively few beaches in this area
although we did have visited three on our many trips to the area.

The first beach is known as Guacimeta. This 1
50
stretch of beach of toasted sand and calm waters is quite exceptional as beaches go
except that it’s a bit too close to the airport for my liking. Parking was good and it can be accessed via guaguas (autobus). There are Shops
Bar/Restaurants
Public telephones and a pleasant promenade so it’s nevertheless a beach worth a visit.

The second beach is in a semi-developed area beside the airport and the Guacimeta beach and is known as Playa Honda. At 1
900
and 85m wide it is the biggest in this area and consists of medium grained golden sand and calm waters making it ideals for families and creating good conditions for windsurfing. It is about 5 minutes drive from the airport
so the noise from aircrafts will not spoil your fun and it’s easy to park.

We call it our ‘Last Day’ beach !

Do you have to be out of your accommodation early ?
Are you on a late afternoon or evening flight ?
Are you to do something with the children without them getting too worked up on the last day ?
Are you stressed at the thought of spending hours at the airport before you fly home ?

Then
trust me when I say
this beach and Playa Honda generally is a great place to visit en-route home.

Here are my views of it :

* The Beach is fantastic ;
* The whole area of Playa Honda is not directly aimed at us tourists
so you leave Lanzarote having experienced the canarian side of it ;
* There are a great selection of restaurants along the beach front serving traditional Spanish Tapas and the Spanish Omelette in “to die for”. There is other quality canarian food available as well as things for the children (if they the fussy type) ; and
* It has a range of other shops on hand to keep you well occupied (duty free goods
gifts etc).

Finally
we have La Concha
250
Long and 10m wide
Fine golden sand
and calm waters.

La Concha beach is next to the development of the same name just on the outskirts of the capaital
Arrecife. Good parking again and accessible via guaguas (autobus) and a small promenade of shops and bar/restaurants.

Tinajo is located in the central north part of Lanzarote and considered by many to have the best surfing conditions in Europe.

Elements of the coastline have become synonymous with the term “The Hawaii of Europe”.

The first of two beaches takes us to La Santa
in a village by the same name and developed around a natural lagoon that borders a little peninsula. This relatively quiet area is dominated by the internationally famous hotel and sports complex
known as Club La Santa
a ‘winter’ training ground for international sports stars.

If you are into active sports or simply want to maintain your fitness regime whilst on holiday or if you want to pamper yourself whilst your partner ‘does his own thing’
then this is the place to go. Club La Santa offers just about everything you could want in terms of active sports and everything you’d find in the very best gyms or fitness centres ‘at home’.

Another article I’ve written “31 Lanzarote Sports – Club La Santa” provides detailed information that might help you decide whether this is the place to stay
so I will only briefly cover it in this article.

Activities include Tennis (10 courts)
Squash (5 Courts)
Badminton (6 Courts)
Beach Volleyball (2 courts)
Indoor & Outdoor Basketball courts
Golf (Mini Golf and short game training)
5
football
Full sized Football
Aerobics
Leisure Pool
Olympic size Swimming Pool
Children’s Swimming Pool
Boxing
Weight Lifting and a fully equipped fitness centre with 6 Rowing Machines.

There are lots of beach/water sports on a beach measuring 910m long and consisting of fine white sand.

If you are an experienced diver and want to go on a snorkel safari
an ‘intermediate’ or simply a beginner keen to learn then checkout the diving centre programme (by the leisure pool) as it caters for all three levels. Equally
if you are into surfing then you’ve come to surfers paradise as this areas has some of the best surfing waves in Europe.

If you’re more into the pampering side of a sports centre at home
then why not consider the Hydrotherapy bath/ Jacuzzi
Cold Dip and Shower
Steam bath/ Saunas
Hydro-massage bath with essential oils
in private room (additional payment required)
Hydro-jet massage
in private room (additional payment required)
Manual treatments (additional/ seperate payment required)
Physiotherapy
Massage (Sports-
Relax-
Lymphatic Drainage-
Shiatsu Massage and Foot Reflexology).

After a hectic day
there is a range of entertainment on hand from Karaoke to guest appearances from semi-professional artists. As you’d expect
there is excellent parking on site
although it can be accessed just as easily by guaguas (autobus) and most equipment can be hired on the day at the club.
Our second beach in this area is the neighbouring beach known as Tenaza (it is actually 2km. away from Tenaza itself)
located in a rural area and measuring 90m long by 6m wide and consisting of sand mixed with fine grained black gravel. There is a parking available locally.

Tias
another of the islands seven municipalities
includes the islands main holiday resort of Puerto Del Carmen and boasts a succession of beaches
along its 6km of southern coastline
separated only by short rocky elements. In this article
we review seven of the best beaches in this area of the island.

Our first of three man-made (and thus ‘family-friendly’) beaches in the Peurto del Carmen area is known as the Playa Grande. This is the most central beach and has a magnificent promenade of bars and restaurants running along its kilometre of golden sand (100m wide). The placid waters is this part of the island make it ideal for windsurfing. If you don’t want to use the bars and restaurants
it won’t be long before a ‘beach seller’ offers you drinks
ices or fresh fruit. One of the most popular beaches on the island
it has lifeguards
showers
changing areas
washrooms
rentals for beds/parasols
boats and water sports equipment. You can get to it by guaguas (autobus) but you’ve been warned parking is very limited in this lively part of the island.

Our second beach is known as Barrilla (also in the Puerto Del Carmen area)
measuring 90m long and 22m wide. It consists of fine golden sand and offers good parking
a scuba diving centre
has a lifeguard present
has first aid on site and is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

Our third beach is a small cove known as Fariones (also in the Puerto Del Carmen area besides a hotel of the same name)
measuring 60 m by 5m and consisting of fine toasted sand and calm waters. It is accessible by guaguas (autobus).

Our fourth beach at Playa de Los Pocillos
is located at the more exclusive end of Puerto Del Carmen. The beach has fine golden sand and forms part of the development known by same name. It is more than a kilometre long (1
23
m) and 150 m. wide. High tide leaves pools of sea water on its flat surface. It is quieter than the main beaches
but there is a still a good choice of quality bars and restaurants on hand. When the wind picks up this beach is popular with windsurfers. Windy on occasions
but with calm waters
it is very popular and offers good wind surfing conditions
it has rentals beds/parasols
good parking facilities
signage
boardwalk
a commercial zone
showers
litter bins
has good access for wheelchairs and has first aid and washrooms on hand. You can get to it by guaguas (autobus).

Our fifth beach at Playa de Matagorda
part of the development by the same name has a windy beach measuring 850m and 40m wide
consisting of fine golden sand and calm waters
which make it a popular resort for windsurfing
particularly those of limited capability or beginners. Due to its proximity to the airport and the occasionsl noise from aircraft taking off and landing
it is not as crowded as the other beaches in this area
but it is nevertheless worth a visit. This beach has rentals for beds/parasols and a variety of water sports on hand. You can get to it by guaguas (autobus).
Our sixth beach is at Lima and measures 900m long and 50m wide
consisting of fine toasted sand (mix of fine golden sand and small picon
the small lava stones)
this is a windy beach with calm waters
again ideal for first time windsurfers. This is located alongside the Matagorda development and can be reached by guaguas (autobus).

Finally
our seventh beach is a small cove at Pe๑a Grande and measures 40m long by 5m wide
consisting of fine white sand (and the odd pebble). Despite it’s small size
it is nevertheless a windy beach with calm waters and offers full services including lifeguards
showers
first aid
bars/restaurants
showers
parking and telephones. It also has a small promenade and can be reached by guaguas (autobus).

In this particular article (I have written others about beaches in other areas of the island)
I will cover beaches in Yaiza
one of the seven municipalities of Lanzarote.

This part of Lanzarote is occupied
principally
by the town of Playa Blanca (once a sleepy fishing village)
but in the midst of a major transformation. Playa Blanca extends from the western Pechiguera Point (Where our villa is located in La Goleta
Faro Park) to Coloradas Beach in the east
with the Coloradas Beach effectively becoming the first of the Papagayo coves
which is where I want to start this ‘journey’.
You will have noticed that there is a fair amount of development going on across the broader Playa Blanca area. Visitors will be pleased to hear that building is prohibited beyond this point
so Papagayo Beach will remain completely as nature created it.

Punta de Papagayo
to give it its full name
is located at the most southerly tip of the island and is actually a collection of small beaches (Playa Mujeres
Playa del Pozo
Playa de Papagayo
Playa de La Cera
Puerto Muelas and Caleta del Congrio)
with golden sands of between 100m and 400m in length and separated by high cliffs. Access is not as you might expect and given the beaches are remote and not near the main centre
few services are available
so please go prepared (We’d advise taking a cool box packed full of food and drink as you won't find anywhere to buy a drink or something to eat on these beaches).

Follow the signs to Papagayo from the main LZ-2 Roundabout with the CEPSA garage and you will end up on a bumpy dirt track road (no tarmac and hire companies generally ask that you only venture here in a 4 wheel drive
but this is generally ignored
so you won’t be alone if you choose to ignore this advice). You’ll need to pay a small Toll (2 Euros)
before you get the beach top (park by the one and only cafeteria in this area). You need to walk down the sand bank to the beach (and buggies are simply no go
so leave them in the car).

This unspoilt
undeveloped area is surrounded by stunning picture card landscapes
with volcanic ash cliffs
crystal clear waters and fine white & golden sands and is made up of several small bays and coves (if it is beginning to sounds like heaven
it almost is). This is not one of the best beaches on Lanzarote
it is the best beach on the island and one of the best in Europe. Note
that as you move further away from the immediate cove
nude bathing is allowed (so be prepared !).

As you head back towards Playa Blanca
I will take you on a whistle stop tour of ‘the other beaches’. As nice as there are
they do not warrant as much space in this article as Papagayo. First we have Playa de Las Coloradas
a quiet gravel beach 410 m long
far from developed areas and no public services. Next we find the picturesque beach of Playa Blanca
parallel to the restaurant-lined promenade in the village and 40 m of fine golden sand with placid waters. After we pass the harbour (where you can take a daily ferry to Fuerteventura)
you will find Playa Flamingo (200 m. of fine white sand
next to Playa Blanca
ideal for scuba diving)
Playa Dorada (a sheltered beach of fine white sand
30
long)
both close to all the services that the town has to offer. Here you can rent sports equipment & hammocks.Next we have La Mulata
80
m. of fine golden sand mixed with gravel (located between Playa Blanca and the Faro de Pechiguera lighthouse)
La Campana
140
m. of fine golden sand (close to the Faro de Pechiguera lighthouse)
Monta๑a Roja
260
m. of fine golden sand (near the Faro de Pechiguera lighthouse)
and finally we end with El Golfo
150
m. of picturesque black (yes black) sand !

Lanzarote offers a wide variety of beaches including white and black sand
placid and ruffled waters and these are
as you would expect distributed along the entire coast of the island.

Further articles posted by me discuss in more detail the best beaches in each of the seven municipalities (articles 11 to 17) and these form part of a much wider portfolio of information I'm providing to help holiday makers.

So
where is the best beach then ?

As my ‘home-from-home’ is in the south of the island in Playa Blanca in the municipality of Yaiza
I am somewhat biased as to where the best beach is and for me it is without doubt
Papagayo. Judging by the research I’ve done on the Internet
I am not alone in this opinion
so no matter where you are staying
I would suggest that you should not miss this one out.

Punta de Papagayo (to give it its full name)
is located at the southernmost tip of Lanzarote. With a surrounding landscape of volcanic ash
crystal clear water and fine white sand
this stretch of the coast
with several small bays and coves is quite simply stunning. Access is gained by first driving across a dirt track road (quite bumpy)
then paying a toll (it’s that good
they charge you a small entrance fee)
and then walking down the sand banks to the beach as there is no man-made path.

BEFORE you walk down the banks
remember to get anything you need from the one and only cafeteria in this area
as you won’t want to keep trudging up and down
trust me
I’ve done it. The difficulty in getting to the beach is worth it. If you decide to walk along the beach to look at other bays
please bear in mind the fact that some visitors bathe nude at this location as it is permitted. You should not encounter this in the bay by the cafeteria.

If you research this beach on the Internet more widely
you will read statements like ‘wild at times’ and ‘waves can be a little strong at times’
so your instinct will
quite rightly tell you to keep an eye on the children.

I want to devote the rest of this introductory article to a day on Papagayo in the Spring of 2005.
On this particular trip
my wife decided to stay at the top of the cliff by the cafeteria
as we were not planning to stay long. I took my two sons down to the immediate bay as the children were pestering me to let them play in the sand and have a dip in the water (as children do). I did what most parents do on holiday - I gave in to their demands for a peaceful life.

My eldest son (who was 11 at the time) decided he’d like to be a little braver than the younger one
who was 6 years old and who stayed in the ‘ankles only’ region of the sea with me. He wandered out to a point that each wave broke about the chest to neck area and if he jumped up as the wave broke to avoid getting a mouthful of salt water.

All children do this and I’m sure by now
you know what’s coming…. well he didn’t !

I could see a rather large wave behind him out at sea and began to shout towards him to come back in a bit. He never understood my gesticulations towards him
so I moved towards him (instructing the younger one to go back up the beach immediately and ‘stay put’). For once
the younger one did as he was told and as I got closer he heard me and moved towards me. I got to within 5 metres of him before the wave crashed 15 feet above his head !

For what seemed an eternity at the time
I completely lost sight of him. He resurfaced
spluttering
and a good 30 metres away from me
which should give you an appreciation of the waves power. My son waited to see my reaction before bursting out laughing (I think he thought I would be angry with him
as if !). He was covered from head to foot in sand
had drank a pint or more of salt water and despite his brave face
he was clearly shook up and to this day we still recall that wave at Papagayo
but he had learnt his lesson and he lives to swallow salt water another day.

It is worth pointing out that both of my children are very good swimmers
having attended swimming lessons from an early age. Their ‘reward’ for this
is to be given more freedom when on holiday
particularly in the swimming pools
providing we can still see them. I did not for one moment (you know I really mean that I did) think that he would not come back up
but please take my experience into account if you go to Papagayo as the warning ‘strong waves at times’ is often dismissed by the occasional visitor.

But don’t let this put you off
as this is truly a fantastic location and we still go back on most visits to the island.

I will to bring this article to a close with an important Safety Message - Swimming & playing in the sea is great fun
but be aware of the dangers and act responsibly and look out for Flag warnings.
To this end
you should :

1. Swim parallel to the shore ;
2. Swim within your depth (it can often be difficult to swim back to the Beach as currents can be strong) ;
3. Never swim immediately after eating ;
4. Never swim alone or at night ;
5. Be aware of local conditions (currents etc)
seek advice if in doubt and beware of boats and jet skis if they are in the vicinity and please do not swim in areas allocated for their use ;
6. Remember that a Red Flag means “Dangerous Conditions
do not enter the water” ;
7. Remember that a Yellow Flag means “Dangerous Conditions
exercise caution” ; and
8. Remember that a Green Flag means its “Safe for swimming”.

Oh… and in case you’re wondering
it was a Green Flag at the time of the incident with my son and it was altered to Yellow by the time we got back to the top of the cliff.

Were we unlucky ? No we were lucky !