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Salcombe South Sands

South Hams, South West
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

Salcombe South Sands boasts a picturesque coastline with golden sand and crystal-clear waters, boasting an Excellent water quality rating, as tested by the Environment Agency. Visitors can enjoy warm summer waters, estimated to be around 18°C, perfect for swimming and water activities. This stunning beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene and idyllic coastal experience.

8.9°C
Air Temp
17.3 mph
Wind Speed
High Tide (5.22m)
in 5h 41m (06:52) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

95
Excellent
Safe for swimming
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
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Air Temp

8.9°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
8.9°C

Tide

High Tide (5.22m)
in 5h 41m (06:52) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Sandy beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
8.9°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

Community Photos

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Bo’s Beach Café
cafe
4.8 • 120m away
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Reference Information

🌊 Live Tide Curve, Tidal Range & 7-Day Schedule

Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate

Spring Tide • Coeff 89
Current Water Level
Low Tide (Slack) • (1.29m)
3% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 06:52 (5.22m • in 5h 41m)
▼ Low: 13:18 (1.34m • in 12h 8m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 3.94m (Coeff 89/120)
Large tidal range — faster tidal currents and higher high water.
Current Tidal Flow
Slack Water (Calmest)
Rule of Twelfths: fastest flow occurs in mid-tide hours 3 & 4.
📈 24-Hour Harmonic Tide Curve (LAT)
Station: Plymstock
5.9m 3.4m 0.8m 23:3003:3007:3011:3015:3019:30 High 06:52 (5.2m)Low 13:18 (1.3m)High 19:08 (4.9m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 18:36 (5.10m) --
Today ▼ Low 00:58 (1.28m)▲ High 06:52 (5.22m)▼ Low 13:18 (1.34m)▲ High 19:08 (4.93m) 3.94m Spring (89)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 01:28 (1.46m)▲ High 07:21 (5.08m)▼ Low 13:49 (1.51m)▲ High 19:38 (4.76m) 3.62m Coeff 82
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 01:57 (1.66m)▲ High 07:48 (4.93m)▼ Low 14:19 (1.70m)▲ High 20:06 (4.57m) 3.27m Coeff 73
Sun 15 Nov ▼ Low 02:27 (1.87m)▲ High 08:14 (4.77m)▼ Low 14:53 (1.91m)▲ High 20:40 (4.39m) 2.90m Coeff 64
Mon 16 Nov ▼ Low 03:03 (2.09m)▲ High 08:53 (4.58m)▼ Low 15:34 (2.12m)▲ High 21:45 (4.21m) 2.49m Coeff 55
Tue 17 Nov ▼ Low 03:48 (2.30m)▲ High 10:09 (4.41m)▼ Low 16:29 (2.30m)▲ High 23:02 (4.12m) 2.11m Neap (46)
Reference Station: Plymstock • Model: Harmonic Port Transfer (Devonport) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
High 06:52 5.22m
Low 13:18 1.34m
High 19:08 4.93m
Low 01:28 1.46m
Current: Low Tide (Slack) (1.29m) • Slack Water (Calmest)
Sediment Type
Sand

The shoreline consists primarily of sand. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.

Annual Rating
Excellent

Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.

Rainfall Impact
High Risk

Bacterial levels are highly susceptible to storm runoff. Heavy rainfall in the local catchment is likely to trigger storm overflows and agricultural runoff, rendering the water temporarily unsafe.

Monitoring Authority
Environment Agency

Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.

Water Body Type
Coastal Beach

Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.

Sewerage Provider
South West Water Limited

South West Water Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.

Designated Year
1988

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
South Hams

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the South Hams area.

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