What Gear to Bring

Swimwear

Bring suitable swimwear such as swimming trunks, a swimsuit or whatever you are comfortable swimming in. Technically you could go all-natural, but that is very much a personal choice - and not always suitable depending on the location.

Wetsuit for Cold Water

A wetsuit can help keep you warmer and may reduce the impact of cold water shock, especially in colder conditions. The RNLI recommends wearing a wetsuit of suitable thickness for the water temperature, activity and time spent in the water.

A wetsuit does not make cold water completely safe. You should still enter carefully, understand the risks and avoid staying in cold water for longer than you can safely manage.

Water Shoes or Secure Footwear

Water shoes, old trainers or secure closed-toe footwear can help when walking over sharp rock, slippery ground, shells or uneven access routes. Coasteering guidance commonly includes secure footwear as part of the core kit.

If you think there is a chance of landing on something sharp, shallow or hazardous, that is a sign you should not be jumping there until the landing zone has been properly checked and cleared.

Goggles or a Mask

Goggles or a diving mask can make it easier to inspect the landing zone, check the depth and look for submerged rocks, branches, ledges or debris before anyone jumps.

They are especially useful in darker water, shaded areas or spots where reflections make it difficult to see from the surface.

They can also be useful for spotters or safety swimmers in the event of an incident, helping improve underwater visibility if somebody needs assistance or retrieval from the water.

Safety Rope

A safety rope can be useful if there is a current, awkward exit, low confidence in the group or a need to help people return to an easy get-out point. It should be used carefully and never in a way that creates entanglement risk.

If the current is strong enough that you feel you need a rope to stay safe, seriously consider whether the spot should be used at all.

Buoyancy Aid or Life Jacket

A buoyancy aid or life jacket can be useful for weaker swimmers, colder water, moving water or lower-confidence groups. The RNLI notes that wearing a flotation device can greatly increase your chances of getting through the initial shock of cold water.

Many coasteering providers use buoyancy aids as standard kit, but for casual cliff jumping this depends on the location, conditions and the people involved.

Life jackets and buoyancy aids can also have disadvantages in certain situations. They may restrict movement, make climbing or scrambling more difficult, and can prevent somebody from diving below the surface quickly if needed. Bulky flotation equipment should always be considered carefully depending on the environment and activity.

Helmet

Helmets are commonly used by coasteering companies because they help protect against rock impact while scrambling, swimming near cliffs or moving through rough coastal terrain. Coasteering safety guidance often lists a helmet alongside a wetsuit, flotation device and secure footwear.

For simple swimming spots it may not always be necessary, but it can be a sensible option around rocks, caves, ledges, rough water or unfamiliar terrain.

Warm Layers, Towel and Dry Bag

Bring a towel, warm clothes, a changing robe or jacket, and a dry bag for valuables. Getting warm quickly after leaving the water is important, especially after cold-water exposure.

A phone in a waterproof pouch, basic first-aid kit, drinking water and snacks are also useful for longer walks or remote locations.