Last updated: August 2024
Before you go distribute the briefing sheet covering the following:
1. Health & safety
- Tide times and how to avoid getting stranded by the tide.
- Up to date weather forecast.
- Dangers including sharp and slippery rocks, bites and stings.
- Emergency planning. Telephone numbers for Coastguard etc. Be aware of poor mobile phone signal in some coastal areas. Shore contact monitoring return
2. Equipment
- Litter bags to collect litter from rock pools.
- Clear plastic containers for viewing finds.
- Waterproof camera or protective case for mobile phone.
- GPS for precise location and aiding a rapid exit, if not part of camera or phone.
- Plastic Ruler or vernier calipers.
- Note book and pencils or waterproof slate.
- Marine safe sun screen
- Appropriate clothing including waterproofs, sun/warm hat. wellington boots, wetsuit boots, old trainers or sturdy waterproof footwear that provides protection from sharp rocks.
- Water and snacks, and even a walking stick to help steady you on the rocks.
3. At the rock pool
- Respect all creatures and the marine environment.
- Try not to remove creatures – look closely.
- Take photos not the organism when trying to Identify it.
- Do not touch if you don’t need to. If you do wet your hands first.
- If you do remove an animal for a closer look place it in seawater immediately.
- Don’t deliberately put creatures that may fight or eat each other in your viewing container. If you are unsure only place 1 creature in the container.
- Return creatures to the same place you found them asap.
- Seaside nets on a pole will not be used to avoid touching animals. Other nets are only to be used under experienced supervision. Nets are not a substitute for picking up creatures with your hands.
- If you turn a rock you must put it back in its original position taking great care not to squash any organisms especially on the hinge side of the rock. Carefully move organisms out of harms way until the rock is settled.
- Watch where you tread look before putting your foot down.
- Be safe be kind leave only footprints and take only pictures and enjoy yourselves.
Further Reading