Happisburgh Coast Watch

07/06/2026

Our neighbours Happisburgh RNLI were the beneficiaries of the funds raised by the Happisburgh 5k fun run/walk. Two of our own Coastwatch Volunteers took part on what seemed the hottest day of the year!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2oYvpsYG/

This morning we presented Happisburgh RNLI with the £817 raised from the FunRun.
It was great to watch the lifeboat returning after its Sunday morning training session and chat to all the volunteers about the lifeboat station, very interesting.
It’s well worth a visit plus there’s a little souvenir shop which also sell hot and cold refreshments.

07/06/2026

The Time and Tide Bell, Happisburgh Beach, on a beautiful Sunday morning ☀️

04/06/2026

An Adder has been spotted on Happisburgh beach, so we thought we should take this opportunity to share some pertinent information.

Adders are the UK's only native venomous snakes and are frequently found on coastal sand dunes, heathlands, and dry footpaths. They bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature and will only bite in self-defense if stepped on or provoked. They occasionally venture onto the beach to cool down on the sand or in the surf.

Adders hibernate October to March, so they are active in the summer months.

If you or a dog are bitten, seek medical or veterinary assistance immediately.

• Adders bask on or near pathways. Stay on clear trails to avoid stepping into thick undergrowth or long grass where they are hidden.
• Wear sturdy footwear (like walking boots) rather than sandals when walking through known adder hotspots.
• Adders are most active between March and October. Avoid walking in grassy, open areas during the early morning before the snakes have had a chance to warm up and move away.
• If you must walk through taller vegetation, lightly tap a stick.
• If you see an adder, stay perfectly still, then slowly back away. Never attempt to touch or disturb them, as they are a protected species.
• They are shy creatures that flee from humans. Never attempt to pick them up or touch them.
• Contact the emergency services or NHS 111 immediately. If your dog is bitten, carry them (if possible) and go straight to a vet.

02/06/2026

Wise advice from our next-door neighbours, RNLI Happisburgh Lifeboat

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B44JBYcCG/

🌊 FLOAT TO LIVE 🌊

Cold water shock can happen to anyone, at any time – even on a warm day.

If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water:

✅ Tilt your head back and keep your ears submerged
✅ Relax and try to control your breathing
✅ Use your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
✅ Once the cold-water shock passes, call for help or swim to safety if you can

Your first instinct may be to panic and swim hard, but taking a moment to FLOAT could save your life.

Please take a minute to watch this important video and share it with family and friends. One simple piece of advice could make all the difference.

https://youtube.com/shorts/5vV_2ckei_g?si=81d0yq03d-KpXb3O

01/06/2026

Good morning from Happisburgh Coast Watch.
Tide Times for the coming week at Cart Gap beach, Happisburgh.

https://easytide.admiralty.co.uk/

31/05/2026

Weever Fish
It's the time of year when we need to be aware of weever fish. Below is some information from the RNLI, The Wildlife Trusts, and the NHS.
There are two species of weever fish, lesser and great, and they are some of the only venomous fish found in UK waters. They spend most of their lives buried in the sand, but when disturbed, they shoot up their black dorsal fin in defence, injecting a painful venom into unsuspecting victims!

How to Treat a Weever Fish Sting
Follow these actionable NHS guidelines and RNLI recommendations:
DO:
◦ Rinse the wound with seawater (do not use fresh water, as it aggravates the sting).
◦ Extract any spines that remain in the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card.
◦ Soak the affected area in very warm water (as hot as can safely be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes. Heat neutralizes the venom.
◦ Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with discomfort.
DON'T:
Do not use ice or cold packs.
Do not touch the spines with bare hands.
Do not p*e on the sting (it is unsanitary and does not help the venom).

When to Seek Medical Help
If you are on a lifeguarded beach, seek out the lifeguards immediately—they are highly experienced in treating weever fish stings.
According to NHS advice, you should visit a minor injuries unit if:
• The severe pain does not go away after soaking.You were stung near the eyes, mouth, or throat.
Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you have a severe reaction (such as breathing difficulties, nausea, or dizziness).

How to Avoid Stings
• Wear Footwear: Wear jelly shoes, wetsuit boots, or old trainers when paddling in shallow water.
• Shuffle Your Feet: Instead of lifting your feet up in the water, drag or shuffle them along the sand. This disrupts the sand and scares buried fish away before you step directly onto one.

Added Winter edit

During the winter, lesser weever fish migrate away from the shallow shorelines into deeper, warmer offshore waters to hunt. While it is incredibly rare to encounter them on beaches during the colder months, they remain active in deeper sea beds.
Because they move out of shallow paddling and swimming areas, the risk of stepping on one on the beach is drastically reduced compared to the summer months.
The greater weever fish is found offshore in deeper water year round.

28/05/2026

With all the sad news coming through about untimely deaths in open water, it feels appropriate to share the RNLI guide regarding cold water shock.
Always treat any body of water with respect.

Cold water shock seriously effects your ability to breathe and move, Learn more about the effects of cold water shock and how to avoid it.

28/05/2026

Thank you, Elliot Rocks, for the little visitor left on our doorstep. He's enjoying his time on the beautiful North Norfolk coast ☀️

27/05/2026

Sunset at Cart Gap last night was glorious 💕