Beach Safety

Dorset's coastline is a popular location for visitors to enjoy and explore, the majority of visits are incident free and these notes have been made available to visitors to make an informed judgement about their safety.

• Wind and tidal effects can create hazardous sea conditions including large waves breaking on shelving beaches and an undertow. Consider the conditions before swimming or approaching the water's edge.
• Incoming tides can trap the unwary. Check the tide before walking on the beach footpaths.
• Cliff rock falls and mudflows sometimes occur on the coast. Do not enter known problem areas. Keep away from the base of cliffs.
• Sea walls and harbours are not often fenced. Take care not to fall from the edge.

Download the West Dorset guide to beaches and coastal activities.
Download the Weymouth area guide to beaches and coastal activities.

Erosion is a natural, ongoing process along this stretch of coast – and is one of the main reasons why the Jurassic Coast was designated a World Heritage Site. Exceptional rainfall over the past year has left some of the cliffs in an unusually unpredictable and unstable condition, with a heightened risk of additional landslides, mudslides and rock falls. People can and should enjoy the coast but should, as always, take care when out and about. Further details of how to stay safe along Dorset's Jurassic Coast can be found on the Jurassic Coast website.