Shore etiquette

A low tide shore looks empty from a distance and is crowded close up. Most of the harm done on the flats is accidental: a step in the wrong place or a rock turned and not put back.

On the flats

• Walk on bare sand where you can, and watch where your feet land: seagrass, corals and buried animals are easy to crush.
• Look, don't touch. If you lift something to look underneath, put it back exactly as it was.
• Leave animals in the water. A sea star or sea cucumber lifted into the air can be injured.
• Never collect animals, shells or coral. Empty shells are homes for hermit crabs.
• Keep groups small and spread out, and stay on boardwalks where they exist.

For yourself

• Wear covered shoes with a good grip; bare feet and slippers are a bad idea on rubble and rock.
• Go out as the tide falls and start back well before the low. The water comes back faster than you'd expect.
• Bring water and sun protection, and take your rubbish home.