Coastguards have produced a festive carol video with a dozen top safety tips in the style of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Sailors are urged to be prepared before setting out to sea; not to drink and drive; wear lifejackets; to call 999 in an emergency; not to forget distress flares; and to register personal locator beacons, among other advice.

Click here to watch the video!

Last year, Coastguards dealt with 430 search and rescue incidents over the Christmas and New Year period from 21 December 2012 to 2 January 2013.

Call outs ranged from dogs over cliffs, people stuck in mud, walkers cut off by the tide and broken down boats to Coastguard Rescue Officers supporting Christmas Day swims.

Richard Martin, Chief Coastguard, said: ‘Her Majesty’s Coastguard responds to calls every day of the year, sending out rescue teams in all weathers and often at unsocial hours. Christmas is no different.

‘But this festive season we created our very own version of ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ to make sure people remember some of our key safety messages.

‘These include checking the weather and tide times before setting out. The last thing you want to do on that Christmas Day morning stroll is to become cut off by the tide and miss out on lunch.

‘If you’re taking the dogs out for a walk on Boxing Day, make sure they’re on a lead, and try not to go too close to cliff edges as they could be slippery or crumbly.

‘We’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a fun and safe Christmas. But remember, if you do get into difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’