Safety at South Milton Sands
Do you love spending time at South Milton Sands? We advise following a few simple guidelines to help ensure that your visit is safe as well as enjoyable.
Swimming and water sports
Please note that South Milton Sands is not an RNLI life-guarded beach
The water is clear and inviting but please take care. Follow the tips below to stay safe during your visit to South Milton Sands:
- Check the tide times and currents (Salcombe Tide Times)
- Avoid off shore winds which can quickly drag you out beyond your capabilities if paddle boarding and kayaking (Met Office - South Milton Sands)
- Always read the warning signage on the beach entrance
- Take your mobile with you in a waterproof phone pouch (the National Trust team often have some available)
- If alone, tell someone where you are going and let them know when you're back
- If paddle boarding or kayaking, wear a buoyancy aid to help you float if you fall in the water and make sure you're wearing the correct leash
- Dial 999 in an emergency and ask to speak to the coast guard
For further safety information, visit the RNLI website.
Dunes
The dunes at South Milton help to protect the landscape from coastal change and the profile and shape of the dune system is ever changing due to natural processes. They can be unstable and also act as an important habitat for wildlife so we ask visitors to stay clear of the dunes.
Marine life and wildlife
At beaches across south Devon, you are likely to encounter different types of marine life and wildlife. Follow the tips below to try to keep safe:
- Like many sandy beaches, weever fish and jelly 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. There is further guidance available on the NHS website.
- Near the dunes or in the surrounding landscape, you may spot adders. Keep dogs under close control and if they are bitten, contact your vet as soon as possible. If you get bitten, seek medical attention. More information is available on the NHS website.
- Occassionally you may see a seal or a stranding on the beach. Whether alive or dead, please do not approach and keep dogs on leads and under close control and contact the Marine Strandings Network using the details here.
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 before you go to the beach.
Care for the coast and countryside
Issues such as littering, wildfires and 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.
You might also be interested in
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Visiting South Milton Sands with your dog
Find out about visiting South Milton Sands with your dog, from where you can and can’t take them, to the facilities available for dog owners. South Milton Sands is a one pawprint rated place.
Our work: coastal change at South Milton Sands
Find out how the National Trust has been tackling coastal change over the decades at South Milton Sands in South Devon, from wooden piling sea defences to regenerating a dune system.
Things to see and do at South Milton Sands
Follow the coast path to the pretty village of Hope Cove, enjoy some water sports or stay longer and enjoy some stargazing – there's something for everyone at South Milton Sands.