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Scarborough South Bay

North Yorkshire, North East
Poor Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

Scarborough South Bay boasts a picturesque coastline with a sandy shore, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea. However, the water quality has been classified as Poor by the Environment Agency, making it essential to exercise caution when swimming. During the summer months, the water temperature is estimated to be around 15°C, a refreshing respite from the warmth of the surrounding cliffs.

5.6°C
Air Temp
15.8 mph
Wind Speed
High Tide (5.21m)
in 4h 30m (05:24) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

30
Poor
Not advised
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
Help us verify

Air Temp

5.6°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
5.6°C

Tide

High Tide (5.21m)
in 4h 30m (05:24) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Poor
Not advised

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
Poor
Avg. Air Temp
5.6°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Rowntree Cafe
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4.8 • 120m away
Grind Coffee Shop
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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
Rising ↑ (1.90m)
25% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 05:24 (5.21m • in 4h 30m)
▼ Low: 11:38 (1.56m • in 10h 44m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 3.86m (Coeff 89/120)
Large tidal range — faster tidal currents and higher high water.
Current Tidal Flow
Moderate Flooding Flow
Rule of Twelfths: fastest flow occurs in mid-tide hours 3 & 4.
📈 24-Hour Harmonic Tide Curve (LAT)
Station: Severn Bridge (1.48 km)
6m 3.4m 0.8m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 High 05:24 (5.2m)Low 11:38 (1.6m)High 17:40 (5.3m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 17:07 (5.42m)▼ Low 23:26 (1.34m) 4.08m Spring (94)
Today ▲ High 05:24 (5.21m)▼ Low 11:38 (1.56m)▲ High 17:40 (5.32m) 3.76m Spring (86)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 00:00 (1.46m)▲ High 06:01 (5.02m)▼ Low 12:10 (1.76m)▲ High 18:14 (5.16m) 3.70m Spring (85)
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 00:35 (1.61m)▲ High 06:40 (4.81m)▼ Low 12:44 (1.98m)▲ High 18:49 (4.97m) 3.36m Coeff 77
Sun 15 Nov ▼ Low 01:13 (1.78m)▲ High 07:24 (4.60m)▼ Low 13:21 (2.21m)▲ High 19:30 (4.76m) 2.98m Coeff 68
Mon 16 Nov ▼ Low 01:58 (1.96m)▲ High 08:18 (4.40m)▼ Low 14:07 (2.43m)▲ High 20:24 (4.57m) 2.61m Coeff 59
Tue 17 Nov ▼ Low 02:56 (2.10m)▲ High 09:27 (4.27m)▼ Low 15:10 (2.61m)▲ High 21:38 (4.45m) 2.35m Coeff 53
Reference Station: Severn Bridge • Model: Primary Harmonic Gauge (TICON) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
High 05:24 5.21m
Low 11:38 1.56m
High 17:40 5.32m
Low 00:00 1.46m
Current: Rising (1.9m) • Moderate Flooding Flow
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
Poor

Water quality regularly fails to meet safe bathing standards. Swimmers face an elevated risk of stomach infections or skin rashes due to high bacterial loads.

Rainfall Impact
Low Risk

This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.

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
Yorkshire Water Services Limited

Yorkshire Water Services 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
North Yorkshire

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the North Yorkshire area.

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