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Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary

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

Coastguards Beach, situated in the picturesque Erme Estuary, South Hams, England, boasts a serene shoreline characterised by sandy shores. Unfortunately, the official water quality rating, as tested by the Environment Agency, is classified as Poor, which may deter some visitors. During the summer months, the water temperature at Coastguards Beach is estimated to be around 15°C.

8.7°C
Air Temp
18 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide (1.28m)
in 4m (00:58) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

10
Pollution Risk
Not advised
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
Help us verify

Air Temp

8.7°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
8.7°C

Tide

Low Tide (1.28m)
in 4m (00:58) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Poor
Not advised

Pollution Alerts

Active Alert
Bathing not advised ↓

Quick Overview

Estuary / Inland Water
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Not listed
Water Quality
Poor
Avg. Air Temp
8.7°C
Swimming
Not 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 89
Current Water Level
Low Tide (Slack) • (1.28m)
99% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 06:52 (5.22m • in 5h 57m)
▼ Low: 00:58 (1.28m • in 4m)
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 km)
5.9m 3.4m 0.8m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 Low 00:58 (1.3m)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
Low 00:58 1.28m
High 06:52 5.22m
Low 13:18 1.34m
High 19:08 4.93m
Current: Low Tide (Slack) (1.28m) • Slack Water (Calmest)
Sediment Type
Not listed

Sediment type has not yet been recorded for this site. Underfoot conditions and bank composition may vary.

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
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
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
2024

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 2024. 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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