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Sandy Bay

East Devon, South West
Good Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

Sandy Bay in East Devon boasts a picturesque shoreline with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach consistently receives a Good rating from the Environment Agency for its water quality, making it a safe haven for swimmers. During the summer months, the water temperature typically ranges from 17°C to 19°C, perfect for a refreshing dip.

8.3°C
Air Temp
14.8 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide (0.72m)
in 5m (01:25) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

80
Good
Safe for swimming
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
Help us verify

Air Temp

8.3°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
8.3°C

Tide

Low Tide (0.72m)
in 5m (01:25) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Good
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
Good
Avg. Air Temp
8.3°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Reference Information

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

Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate

Spring Tide • Coeff 94
Current Water Level
Low Tide (Slack) • (0.72m)
99% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 07:52 (3.86m • in 6h 31m)
▼ Low: 01:25 (0.72m • in 5m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 3.14m (Coeff 94/120)
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: Exmouth
4.4m 2.4m 0.3m 23:3003:3007:3011:3015:3019:30 Low 01:25 (0.7m)High 07:52 (3.9m)Low 13:44 (0.8m)High 20:08 (3.5m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 19:39 (3.73m) --
Today ▼ Low 01:25 (0.72m)▲ High 07:52 (3.86m)▼ Low 13:44 (0.78m)▲ High 20:08 (3.55m) 3.14m Spring (94)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 01:54 (0.85m)▲ High 08:18 (3.70m)▼ Low 14:14 (0.90m)▲ High 20:36 (3.37m) 2.85m Spring (85)
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 02:22 (1.00m)▲ High 08:45 (3.53m)▼ Low 14:43 (1.03m)▲ High 21:07 (3.19m) 2.53m Coeff 76
Sun 15 Nov ▼ Low 02:50 (1.14m)▲ High 09:15 (3.37m)▼ Low 15:14 (1.16m)▲ High 21:42 (3.03m) 2.23m Coeff 68
Mon 16 Nov ▼ Low 03:21 (1.30m)▲ High 09:50 (3.20m)▼ Low 15:51 (1.28m)▲ High 22:24 (2.88m) 1.92m Coeff 59
Tue 17 Nov ▼ Low 04:00 (1.45m)▲ High 10:35 (3.05m)▼ Low 16:40 (1.40m)▲ High 23:17 (2.78m) 1.65m Coeff 51
Reference Station: Exmouth • Model: Primary Harmonic Gauge (TICON) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
Low 01:25 0.72m
High 07:52 3.86m
Low 13:44 0.78m
High 20:08 3.55m
Current: Low Tide (Slack) (0.72m) • 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
Good

Water quality is clean and fully compliant with safety directives. It regularly meets bacterial limits under standard environmental conditions.

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
East Devon

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the East Devon area.

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