I would say that swimming in the red sea is perfectly safe

The secret to it though is not to touch anything especially the coral.

Watch your step when entering and exiting the sea....invest in a pair of aquashoes.

Another good tip is to go read the snorkeling thread and ask any questions there.

W`lion

The water is brilliant in Hurghada. I am in it every week-end except for the winter period.

As has been said, take care of the corals and please don't remove anything from the water.

Just last week a rather large gentleman of Eastern European persuasion took a star fish from the water and left it on a rock to dry out. I returned it to the water where I hope it survived.

You will be amazed at the quantity and colours you will see. Enjoy.

The sea off the beach at the Grand is great and safe to swim in - really warm at the moment like swimming in a warm bath. There is a flag system (though never seen it at red) and a lifeguard. It can be a bit pebbly underfoot at the water's edge and the sand is a bit gravelly so its a good idea to invest in beach/swim shoes or at least wear flip flops to the waters edge as the sand is really hot at this time of year.

Semsema, where is the best place to snorkle in Hurghada without getting a boat? Do you know if there is sorkelling off the Shedwan beach. Thanks.Caro

Hi Caro,
Sheraton Beach isn't bad but can be quite a long way to swim if the tide is out! The Diving World beach just round the corner from the Sheraton is wonderful. I swam with a mother and baby eagle ray there.
Went to Paradise Beach the other week but there wasn't a lot in the water.
Don't know about Shedwan but will find out for you.
You are quite right about the water being like bath water, isn't it glorious? It makes a change from water which never gets above 10 degrees!