Seven Bude beaches, and the one rule that keeps swimmers safe

You have picked your beach, the sun is out and the water looks inviting. Before you wade in, there is one detail worth checking: are you between the red and yellow flags? On the coast around Bude this summer, the answer decides whether a lifeguard can see you.

With the school holidays in full swing and visitor numbers climbing, Bude RNLI Lifeguards have put out a reminder that seven of the area’s beaches are patrolled every day from 10am to 6pm. Whether you are surfing, swimming, rock pooling or lying back in the sunshine, the guidance is the same. Choose a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags.

Why the flags matter

The red and yellow flags mark the stretch of water a lifeguard is actively watching. Swim or bodyboard inside them and you are in the safest part of the beach, with someone trained keeping an eye on the conditions and the crowd. Stray outside them and you are on your own, often near rip currents or rocks the flags are placed to keep you away from.

The advice from the lifeguards is short. Respect the team on duty, check the conditions before you get in, and help keep everyone safe. Here is where they will be.

The seven lifeguarded beaches

Sandymouth

Pebbles at high tide give way to a wide sandy beach from mid to low water, backed by some dramatic scenery. There is a National Trust car park, a café, toilets and Sandymouth Surf School on site. Dogs are welcome all year.

Northcott

A favourite with locals. Pebbly at high tide and sandy from mid to low, with plenty of rock pools to explore. Café and car park.

Crooklets

A smaller sandy beach with a lively promenade, where the cafés host entertainment on most days. It is home to Bude Surf Life Saving Club and Bude Bay Surf School, and it holds a Blue Flag award. Dogs are restricted between 10am and 6pm. Toilets, a car park and excellent disabled access.

Summerleaze

Bude’s largest beach, home to the RNLI lifeboat station and the iconic sea pool. Remember this is a working harbour, so keep out of the water in the harbour area. Surf lessons are available with BSX and Big Blue Surf School. Toilets, a car park, and dogs welcome on leads.

Widemouth Bay

Just south of Bude, this stretch is popular with surfers thanks to its consistent waves. Surf lessons and equipment hire come from OA Surf Club and Freewave Surf Academy. Café, car park and toilets, another Blue Flag award, and dogs restricted between 10am and 6pm.

Black Rock

Sandy at high tide, with fascinating rock pools as the water drops away. Dogs are welcome. A large car park, good facilities, toilets and the legendary Black Rock Café round it off.

Crackington Haven

Another local favourite, ringed by some of Cornwall’s highest and most dramatic cliffs. Car parks, toilets, excellent cafés and the ever-popular Coombe Barton Inn make it a full day out.

Before you go

Conditions on this coast change with the tide and the swell, so the lifeguards ask visitors to check before entering the water and to give the patrols room to do their job. Seven beaches, one simple rule, and a summer of it worth remembering.