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Ringstead Bay

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

Ringstead Bay in Dorset boasts a picturesque shingle beach surrounded by rugged coastline, with the added bonus of excellent water quality, as rated by the Environment Agency. The bay's tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing summer day out, with the water temperature expected to reach around 18°C. Visitors can enjoy the stunning natural scenery and crystal-clear waters, making it a must-visit destination for beach lovers.

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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°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
8°C

Tide

High Tide (0.94m)
in 2h 4m (02:57) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Shingle beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Shingle
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
8°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

Community Photos

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The Reef Cafe
cafe
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
Low Tide (Slack) • (0.65m)
14% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 02:57 (0.94m • in 2h 4m)
▼ Low: 03:31 (0.94m • in 2h 38m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 1.55m (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: Weymouth (5.54 km)
2.5m 1.5m 0.4m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 High 02:57 (0.9m)Low 03:31 (0.9m)High 07:55 (2.2m)Low 12:58 (0.7m)High 20:19 (2.0m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 19:43 (2.08m) --
Today ▼ Low 00:34 (0.64m)▲ High 02:57 (0.94m)▼ Low 03:31 (0.94m)▲ High 07:55 (2.23m)▼ Low 12:58 (0.68m)▲ High 20:19 (1.96m) 1.59m Spring (91)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 01:03 (0.72m)▲ High 08:25 (2.12m)▼ Low 13:31 (0.75m)▲ High 20:51 (1.84m) 1.40m Coeff 83
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 01:31 (0.80m)▲ High 08:50 (2.01m)▼ Low 14:02 (0.82m)▲ High 21:20 (1.73m) 1.21m Coeff 75
Sun 15 Nov ▼ Low 01:59 (0.89m)▲ High 09:12 (1.90m)▼ Low 14:36 (0.89m)▲ High 21:50 (1.63m) 1.01m Coeff 67
Mon 16 Nov ▼ Low 02:31 (0.97m)▲ High 09:38 (1.80m)▼ Low 15:17 (0.95m)▲ High 22:28 (1.55m) 0.85m Coeff 61
Tue 17 Nov ▼ Low 03:10 (1.07m)▲ High 10:15 (1.70m)▼ Low 16:11 (1.00m)▲ High 23:26 (1.47m) 0.70m Coeff 54
Reference Station: Weymouth • Model: Primary Harmonic Gauge (TICON) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
High 02:57 0.94m
Low 03:31 0.94m
High 07:55 2.23m
Low 12:58 0.68m
Current: Low Tide (Slack) (0.65m) • Slack Water (Calmest)
Sediment Type
Shingle

The shoreline consists primarily of shingle. 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
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
Wessex Water Services Limited

Wessex 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
Dorset

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

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