Where to wild swim safely in the bay

Wild swimming in Torbay is some of the easiest on the south coast – sheltered water, shallow shelving, multiple lifeguarded beaches in season. But the bay still kills the unprepared every year. Here’s where to go and how.

Where

Meadfoot Beach – long, sandy, has a tidal pool. Anstey’s Cove – small, sheltered, dramatic cliffs. Babbacombe – exposed but calm in westerlies. Goodrington – flat, family-friendly, lifeguarded in season. Maidencombe – quieter, watch the tide.

Local groups

Torbay Bluetits meet at Meadfoot most mornings, year-round. Find them on Facebook. New swimmers welcome – they’ll keep an eye on you.

Safety

Check the tide times before you swim – the bay has a 4-metre range. Avoid the half-hour either side of high water on spring tides if you don’t know the beach. Tow a swim float in any water deeper than your chest. Don’t swim alone if the water’s under 12C.