⚠️ Sefton coast warning as huge midday Spring tides set to wipe out beaches this weekend

Sefton Bubble
12 minutes ago
2 min read

Visitors planning trips to Crosby, Formby, Ainsdale and Southport beaches this weekend are being urged to take extra care, as very high spring tides exceeding 9 metres are expected during the middle of the day.

These tides will leave very little beach accessible for around an hour either side of high tide, with some areas likely to be completely covered.

Tide Times

Saturday 21 March – High tide at 12:18pm (9.43m)
Sunday 22 March – High tide at 12:57pm (9.29m)
Monday 23 March – High tide at 1:40pm (8.95m)

Please check tide times before travelling and plan your visit carefully.

Beach Access Updates

Southport Beach is expected to be covered at high tide, with access restricted during peak times
Ainsdale Beach remains closed to vehicles for the winter period and is not due to reopen until 1st April
- Visitors can still walk on the beach but should take extra care due to incoming tides
Crosby and Waterloo beach will see significantly reduced shoreline around high tide
Formby - Victoria Road car park remains closed until spring 2026 for conservation works. Date not confirmed yet.
Formby Lifeboat Road (National Trust) is open with access via the Boardwalk

Protecting Wildlife

This is a crucial time for migrating shoreline birds across the Sefton coast. Please:

Avoid walking towards or through bird flocks
Keep dogs under control and away from wildlife
Give birds space to rest and conserve energy

Important Safety Rule

Under the Sefton Coast Public Space Protection Order, horses must not be ridden on the beach within two hours either side of high tide.

Stay Safe

Tides along the Sefton coast can move very quickly across the flat sands, cutting people off from safe exit points. Always remain aware of your surroundings and leave the beach well before high tide.

Please take care if visiting this weekend and help keep our coastline safe for everyone.