Swimming in Mevagissey

Booley Beach is a sheltered sandy Cornish beach with gentle conditions and good protection from Atlantic swells, perfect for beginner to intermediate swimmers. The beach has a gradual slope and sandy bottom providing safe, confidence-building swimming conditions. Visit during mid-tide for optimal swimming space and firmest sand.

Duporth Beach is a sandy Cornish beach offering sheltered swimming conditions with good facilities and family-friendly atmosphere. Intermediate swimmers can enjoy reliable conditions, though Atlantic swells can occasionally create stronger currents. Lifeguards patrol the beach during summer months.

Little Lantic Bay in Cornwall is an intermediate coastal spot with sandy cove and exposure to Atlantic swells. The sheltered small beach offers decent conditions during calm periods but can be rough during storms. Check swell forecasts and only swim during settled, low-energy conditions.

Little Polstreath is a compact sandy Cornish cove with calm, sheltered saltwater perfect for beginner to intermediate swimmers. The small, protected setting offers reassuring conditions and reliable visibility; visit at high tide for optimal water depth and comfortable beach space.

Par Sands is a long sandy beach in Cornwall with moderate wave action and protection from headlands, suitable for intermediate swimmers comfortable with some swell. The extensive beach provides plenty of space and the sandy bottom transitions gradually into deeper water. Lifeguards patrol during summer months providing added safety.

Pentewan Beach is a sandy Cornish cove with calm to moderate saltwater conditions and good accessibility for various swimming levels. Intermediate swimmers will find reliable conditions; the sandy bottom and sheltered aspect make this a practical choice for consistent open-water practice.

Polstreath is a sandy Cornish beach with calm, clear saltwater ideal for intermediate swimmers building open-water confidence. The sheltered setting and good visibility make this a reliable practice spot; arrive at high tide to maximize swimming space and water depth.

Porthpean Beach is a secluded Cornish beach with clear, sheltered saltwater and sandy coves backed by subtropical gardens. Intermediate swimmers will enjoy the protected conditions and beautiful scenery of this quieter alternative to busier beaches. The nearby gardens provide a pleasant post-swim attraction.

A secluded cove near Fowey accessible through woodland with clear water and protective cliff formations. Suitable for intermediate swimmers seeking solitude and scenic beauty with manageable conditions. The beach remains quieter than nearby alternatives despite good facilities.

Shorthorn Beach in Devon is a sandy beach with moderate Atlantic swells, suitable for intermediate swimmers comfortable with more energetic conditions. The beach provides good views of the dramatic Devon coastline, but wave conditions can change quickly so check forecasts beforehand.

Silvermine Beach is a quiet Cornish beach with sandy shores and sheltered conditions suitable for beginner to intermediate swimmers. The protected cove position creates calm waters ideal for families and those building water confidence. The small size means it fills quickly on sunny days.

Open Water Safety

Risk assessment, gear, and emergency procedures

Reading Conditions

Waves, tides, currents, and weather patterns

Ocean Swimming

Waves, rip currents, and a progression plan

Cold Water Swimming

Acclimatization, gear, and safe exposure