With trips abroad unlikely this year and more people opting to holiday in the UK, Dorset is likely to be very busy this summer.

We're lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country and if the May bank holiday and half term are anything to go by, we can expect an even greater influx of visitors than we have seen in previous years.

With that in mind, we thought it may be useful to highlight some points that will keep visitors safe while staying in wonderful West Dorset and ease the strain on our emergency services. Please do share with anyone you know who is planning a visit, as well as any residents too!

• If you are planning a walk along the beach, please do check the tide times. The sea can come in very, very quickly and in some cases come up to the cliffs, giving little to no room for people to get to safety. Tide times can be found here and entering the area you are intending to walk

• There can be some strong currents while swimming in the sea. If you are unsure, take the advice of lifeguards on duty if they are there

• Also, if you are walking along the coast, please be mindful of the cliffs. Either walking on top of or below them, they can be very unsafe and fall at any time. It is not worth the risk to take a photo on the edge of the cliff or sit directly under them. It can also be very uneven along the coast path!

• We are lucky to have some of the most stunning walks in the area - which are great for dog walkers! But please do keep dogs on a lead when walking through fields with livestock, regardless of if your dog has never chased sheep or cows before. Livestock can become distressed, which can lead to them losing babies or become aggressive in an attempt to protect their young

• It is also very important that dogs are kept on leads while walking along cliffs

• Leave gates as you find them while out walking. If it was shut when you got to it, please shut it behind you to stop livestock getting out

• Disposable barbecues have been a cause of many fires in Dorset in recent times and it is recommended to not use them out in public, open spaces, particularly in woodland and on heathland. They are banned in some areas on council-owned land, so please do heed the signs where it asks you not to have them. Follow Litter Free Dorset's campaign - #BringAPicnicNotABBQ

• And one for everyone - please bin your litter. If the bin is overflowing, take your litter home

This is just some simple information to make sure everyone stays safe and has the best holiday they can, it is in no way intended to stop you having fun! We're just mindful that there may be things people are unaware of when they don't have the coast on their doorstep every day.

Enjoy West Dorset, and we look forward to welcoming you!

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