Safety at Crantock Beach

Published:: 28 February 2025

A view across the sand and dunes towards the sea at Crantock — View from Rushy Green over Crantock Beach | © Mike Simmonds

Do you love spending time at Crantock Beach? We advise following a few simple guidelines to help ensure that your visit is safe as well as enjoyable.

Swimming and water sports

Crantock Beach is a RNLI life-guarded beach but only during certain times of the year and times of day. Please check here for the most current information.

The RNLI strongly advise that visitors should only swim when lifeguards are on duty and obey the flags that are put up on the beach showing where and when it is safe to enter the water.

Always read the warning signs. There are digital displays by the toilets and track leading to the beach showing up to date information. The RNLI may also display additional signs.
The River Gannel causes currents that can be dangerous, in particular at certain stages of the tide. The lifeguards advise not swimming near the river flow and only when and where they designate it is safe to do so.
Dial 999 in an emergency and ask to speak to the coast guard.

Dunes

The profile and shape of the dune system is ever changing, we think primarily due to climate change and natural processes.

There are steep drops in places so please access the beach from the lower right corner of the car park.
Stay clear from the base of the sand cliffs and do not allow children to play near them.

Aerial shot of Crantock beach and headland in summer — Crantock in summer | © National Trust Images/John Miller

The beach

There have been some reports of quicksand close to the river edge and at the far end of the beach towards West Pentire. Please be vigilant especially in these two areas of beach.
Like many sandy beaches, weever fish can be found, particularly at low tide. It is advised that you wear beach or wet suit shoes if going in the sea around low tide as weever fish stings can be very painful. If stung the advice is to immerse the area affected in hot water for 30-90 minutes.

Tide times

It's often worth checking the tide times before visiting a beach. It is easy for the tides to take us by surprise so make sure you double check what time high tide is before you go to the beach.

Care for the coast and countryside

Issues such as littering, wildfires and fly-camping can all cause significant harm to landscapes and wildlife. With your help, these problems can be avoided so that these places can be protected for generations to come.

When you visit the coast and countryside, we ask that you please follow the Countryside Code.