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Tides and sea safety

Tide times

We don't print tide tables, because a copied table is easy to get wrong. Use the official UK predictions on Admiralty EasyTide and pick the nearest port. Questions about rock pooling and Marsden access are answered in our tides and rock pooling FAQ. (Admiralty EasyTide (UK Hydrographic Office); checked 3 Nov 2026)

When tides matter here

• Marsden Bay: the steps next to the Grotto are closed until spring 2027. The other way down, the Redwell Bank steps, can be used when tides allow, so check tide times first. (South Tyneside Council, 21 Oct 2026: Major work to replace Marsden steps; checked 3 Nov 2026)
• The Grotto: the venue says it may close at high tide and posts closures on its Facebook page. There's no mobile signal down there. (The Grotto, Marsden (venue website); checked 3 Nov 2026)
• Rocks, the pier and the cliffs: always check tides before exploring. (South Tyneside Council: Staying safe at the coast; checked 3 Nov 2026)

Staying safe

• Swim between the red and yellow flags. No flags means no lifeguards. (RNLI: Sandhaven (Centre) Beach; checked 3 Nov 2026)
• In an emergency, tell a lifeguard. If there isn't one, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. (South Tyneside Council: Staying safe at the coast; checked 3 Nov 2026)
• If you fall in unexpectedly, float to live. (RNLI: Sandhaven (Centre) Beach; checked 3 Nov 2026)
• In summer there are no lifeguards outside the patrol season and hours. See Lifeguards.

Sources for this page

1. Admiralty EasyTide (UK Hydrographic Office), checked 3 Nov 2026
2. South Tyneside Council, 21 Oct 2026: Major work to replace Marsden steps, checked 3 Nov 2026
3. The Grotto, Marsden (venue website), checked 3 Nov 2026
4. South Tyneside Council: Staying safe at the coast, checked 3 Nov 2026
5. RNLI: Sandhaven (Centre) Beach, checked 3 Nov 2026