IT IS finally summer and with a heatwave predicted for the end of the month, it won't be long until our coastline is covered with visitors.
If you are coming to the Isle of Wight or need a refresh on some of the rules of our area then look no further.
READ MORE: Isle of Wight chef loses driving licence over cannabis reading
READ MORE: Isle of Wight councillor welcomes Ukrainian refugees into his home
The rules all visitors need to know:
Dogs on the beach:
Rules prohibiting dogs from accessing a number of beaches came into force at the start of the month, running all the way through until the end of summer.
Dogs are permitted on nearly all beaches on the Isle of Wight from 1 October to 30 April.
The rest of the year, dogs are only permitted on beaches listed as dog-friendly beaches.
When you take your dog onto the beach they must be supervised and under control at all times and any fouling must be cleared immediately.
Find the full list of the dog friendly beaches on the council website.
Car parking
All visitors to the area are asked to park responsibly. Parking wardens are in operation across the year and the number of attendants is increased during the summer months to crackdown on illegal parking.
Cars parked on double yellow lines, causing an obstruction or blocking access may be towed.
READ MORE: Isle of Wight hospital bringing back car parking charges
Swimming zones and what the flags mean
The main lifeguard season runs from May to September. However, this does vary from beach to beach.
Look for the red and yellow flags on the beach these are designated swim areas, please swim between these flags if you wish to be supervised by life guards.
The red flag means lifeguards strongly advise against swimming due to dangerous conditions or water quality issues.
The orange flag is flown when the wind is blowing off shore, this could send you out to sea rapidly. Please do not use inflatables when you see the orange “no inflatables” flag.
Swim buoys are located in the water in a box formation to define the swim zone. They are circular, yellow and say Swim Area.
Littering and recycling
People are asked to please recycle or dispose of their litter in the bins provided along the Isle of Wight's beaches.
In cases of littering the normal course of action will be to offer a notice of opportunity to pay a fixed penalty of £150.
BBQs
Only one beach managed by the Council permits barbecues. This is located at Red Cliff, Yaverland.
It is also possible to book the purpose-built barbeque facility at Fort Victoria Country Park, near Yarmouth - this is ideal for larger parties.
Metal detecting
The council's policy is not to permit metal detecting on any of the council owned and managed beaches.
However, there are a number of privately owned beaches and would suggest that you contact the appropriate land owner for permission.
Booking beach huts
Beach huts are a quintissential part of British seaside life and if you're looking to book one this summer then head to the council website.
New beach huts are ready for the summer season at the beautiful Colwell Bay, a quiet sand and shingle beach with panoramic views.
Beach huts are available to rent at the following beaches: Appley, Puckpool
Dunroamin, Little Stairs, Colwell (Seaview Lane), Gurnard and East Cowes.
The beach huts are owned by private individuals for which a ground rent is paid to the council.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article