West Bay Sea Swimming
links and other West Bay information
surf forecast apps and sites of interest
It is worth finding a forecast that you like and then having a bit of practice getting used to it:
other useful sites
The RNLI site has a lot of very useful information, especially about water safety.
The local Bluetits group is an excellent way to find swimming buddies & keep up to date with swim info.
Unfortunatly, you might need to check the surfers against sewage site to check if there are sewage alerts.
life guard info
East Beach is the only beach that has lifeguard cover, and it is in the summer only.
In 2026, this will be from 11 July- 6 September, every day, from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Remember, if there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.
beach webcams
West Bay has 2 live webcams, one of which looks down on East Beach.
Do not depend on webcams for your sea information.
Because the camera looks down on the beach from a high angle, the view from it can making it hard to see the height of the waves, misleadingly making the sea look flatter than it is. The camera also doesn’t really indicate when there is a strong push and pull going on.
More importantly, the webcam cannot let you know if conditions are likely to worsen, whereas the forecast will indicate whether the waves or wind is likely to change.
A look at the webcam, alongside a look at the forecast will be informative before you head to the beach, but when you get there- still stand - stare - then stay aware!
The other camera does a sweep of the harbour and all the beaches, but it’s a bit tricky to usefully figure out sea conditions on it.
beach accessibility and wheelchair scheme
During the summer months there is special matting laid down on middle beach, which makes the beach accessible for wheelchair and buggy users.
We also have an amazing beach wheelchair scheme, with specially designed beach wheelchairs available to hire free of charge from April to October. This enables people of all ages and abilities access to the beach, and allows them to explore the sand and the sea in a way that most of us take for granted. There are also changing places/toilet facilities.
dogs and the beaches
Dogs are not allowed on East Beach or on Middle Beach between 1st of May and 30th of September.
There are no restrictions on 'dog beach'.
'Even if 'f.east at the Art's Centre' hadn't kindly sponsered this site, it would be a top recommendation for really excellent food.
There is an ever- changing menu of delicious cakes,
stunning salads, homemade soups, seasonal small plates
and scrumptious mains, all made in-house, and all can be enjoyed with freshy gound coffee or wine or beer...
The cafe, downstairs in Bridport Arts Centre, is very lovely, and the pretty courtyard is divine in the sun.
f.east is open Wed- Sat, 10am-3pm, do pop in!
That's about it!
West Bay is a wonderful swimming location, but remember, each swim is your own responsibility.
This site aims to help, but it is up to you to think, learn, and look, so that you can have a wonderful time in the water, and a safe swim.