Forecasts and tides for Wells-next-the-Sea

How to avoid getting cut off by the tide at Wells Beach

The tides at Wells Beach can be dangerous, so it’s important to know how to avoid getting caught out. Read on to see just how quickly the tide can change.

1. At low tide, the sea is a very long way out. If you're walking on the beach, when the tide is out, you could end up a long way from the shore, unaware of the water in the channel creeping in beside you.
2. If it is still possible, the safest route is to retrace your steps along the DRY sandbank, to re-join the main part of the beach.
3. As high tide approaches, the area of sand is rapidly engulfed by the sea. If the area is completely surrounded by water call the Coastguard IMMEDIATELY on 999. Stay calm and DRY and wait for help. Do not try to wade through the channel – which will be deep and potentially fast-flowing by this point.

Easy safety tips

To stay safe, make sure you return to dry beach sand or dry land 4 hours before high tide. During summer, a siren will sound to warn you that there’s 4 hours until high tide.

Before you head out, check the weather and tide times, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Remember to always carry a means of calling for help – a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch is ideal.