Safety at Wembury Beach
Do you love spending time at Wembury Beach? 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 Wembury Beach 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 Wembury Beach:
- Check the tide times and currents (Wembury tide times)
- Avoid off shore winds which can quickly drag you out beyond your capabilities if paddle boarding and kayaking (Met Office - Wembury)
- 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.
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.
- 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
Wembury has been a designated Marine Conservation Area since 1981 and we ask all visitors to respect and protect Wembury Bay by following our Code of Conduct.
Issues such as littering, wildfires and camping can all cause significant harm to landscapes, marine life and wildlife. With your help, these problems can be avoided so that these places can be protected for generations to come. Please follow the Countryside Code to help protect our beautiful and nature rich landscape.
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