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Paignton Preston Sands

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

Paignton Preston Sands, a picturesque coastal beach in Torbay, England, boasts a stunning shoreline of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is consistently rated Excellent for water quality by the Environment Agency, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for bathers. During the summer months, the water temperature typically ranges from 18°C to 20°C, perfect for swimming and water activities.

9.6°C
Air Temp
18.4 mph
Wind Speed
Low Tide (1.06m)
in 15m (01:10) • 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
Help us verify

Air Temp

9.6°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
9.6°C

Tide

Low Tide (1.06m)
in 15m (01:10) • 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
9.6°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
Low Tide (Slack) • (1.08m)
95% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 07:50 (4.79m • in 6h 56m)
▼ Low: 01:10 (1.06m • in 15m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 3.73m (Coeff 91/120)
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: Torquay (2.73 km)
5.4m 3m 0.6m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 Low 01:10 (1.1m)High 07:50 (4.8m)Low 13:29 (1.1m)High 20:09 (4.5m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▼ Low 12:57 (0.92m)▲ High 19:37 (4.68m) 3.76m Spring (91)
Today ▼ Low 01:10 (1.06m)▲ High 07:50 (4.79m)▼ Low 13:29 (1.11m)▲ High 20:09 (4.47m) 3.73m Spring (91)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 01:39 (1.28m)▲ High 08:19 (4.59m)▼ Low 13:59 (1.32m)▲ High 20:38 (4.23m) 3.31m Coeff 81
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 02:07 (1.49m)▲ High 08:48 (4.37m)▼ Low 14:26 (1.52m)▲ High 21:08 (4.01m) 2.88m Coeff 72
Sun 15 Nov ▼ Low 02:34 (1.68m)▲ High 09:18 (4.17m)▼ Low 14:55 (1.69m)▲ High 21:41 (3.82m) 2.49m Coeff 63
Mon 16 Nov ▼ Low 03:05 (1.84m)▲ High 09:53 (3.98m)▼ Low 15:30 (1.84m)▲ High 22:20 (3.66m) 2.14m Coeff 55
Tue 17 Nov ▼ Low 03:45 (2.00m)▲ High 10:36 (3.82m)▼ Low 16:16 (2.00m)▲ High 23:09 (3.53m) 1.82m Neap (48)
Reference Station: Torquay • Model: FES2022 Global Ocean Model • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
Low 01:10 1.06m
High 07:50 4.79m
Low 13:29 1.11m
High 20:09 4.47m
Current: Low Tide (Slack) (1.08m) • 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
Torbay

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

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