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Southend Three Shells

Southend-on-Sea, South East
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

Discover the picturesque Southend Three Shells, a tranquil estuary beach with soft sand and scenic views. Enjoy excellent water quality, as certified by the Environment Agency, perfect for a refreshing summer dip with water temperatures around 18°C. This serene spot is ideal for families and nature lovers alike.

8.4°C
Air Temp
14.4 mph
Wind Speed
High Tide (5.71m)
in 45m (01:38) • 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

8.4°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
8.4°C

Tide

High Tide (5.71m)
in 45m (01:38) • 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
8.4°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 91
Current Water Level
Rising ↑ (5.53m)
87% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 01:38 (5.71m • in 45m)
▼ Low: 07:52 (1.12m • in 7h 0m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 4.59m (Coeff 91/120)
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: Southend-on-Sea (6.35 km)
6.4m 3.5m 0.5m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 High 01:38 (5.7m)Low 07:52 (1.1m)High 13:57 (5.6m)Low 20:01 (1.3m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 13:22 (5.71m)▼ Low 19:39 (1.15m) 4.56m Spring (90)
Today ▲ High 01:38 (5.71m)▼ Low 07:52 (1.12m)▲ High 13:57 (5.57m)▼ Low 20:01 (1.32m) 4.59m Spring (91)
Fri 13 Nov ▲ High 02:09 (5.55m)▼ Low 08:19 (1.24m)▲ High 14:33 (5.43m)▼ Low 20:22 (1.44m) 4.31m Coeff 82
Sat 14 Nov ▲ High 02:41 (5.38m)▼ Low 08:46 (1.34m)▲ High 15:12 (5.29m)▼ Low 20:51 (1.52m) 4.04m Coeff 73
Sun 15 Nov ▲ High 03:16 (5.21m)▼ Low 09:19 (1.42m)▲ High 15:54 (5.14m)▼ Low 21:28 (1.62m) 3.79m Coeff 65
Mon 16 Nov ▲ High 03:56 (5.05m)▼ Low 10:00 (1.51m)▲ High 16:43 (5.00m)▼ Low 22:14 (1.73m) 3.54m Coeff 57
Tue 17 Nov ▲ High 04:45 (4.90m)▼ Low 10:50 (1.59m)▲ High 17:38 (4.88m)▼ Low 23:09 (1.84m) 3.31m Neap (49)
Reference Station: Southend-on-Sea • Model: FES2022 Global Ocean Model • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
High 01:38 5.71m
Low 07:52 1.12m
High 13:57 5.57m
Low 20:01 1.32m
Current: Rising (5.53m) • 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
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
Estuary / Transitional Water

Monitored as a transitional or estuarine bathing water. Estuarine sites experience a mix of tidal ocean flushing and river discharge, causing fluctuating salinity and water quality.

Sewerage Provider
Anglian Water Services Limited

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

Designated Year
2001

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 2001. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
Southend-on-Sea

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the Southend-on-Sea area.

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