Gurnard is a small pleasant resort to the west of Cowes. The gently shelving beach consists of sand and shingle and is ideal for family bathing with gentle water sports such as dinghy sailing and windsurfing. During the summer season Gurnard beach is litter picked on a daily basis and large amounts of seaweed are removed and taken to local farmers for use as compost. Emergency equipment such as Lifebelts are strategically located along the Esplanade in order to ensure safety at any time of the year.