Coatham Sands
Redcar & Cleveland's coastline stretches from the mouth of the Tees to the Heritage Coast of Staithes. We have one of the longest unbroken stretches of beach in the United Kingdom running from South Gare in the north-west to Saltburn in the south-east. The character of the coastline is one of astonishing contrasts - dramatic sea cliffs, sweeping bays and long stretches of sandy beaches.
Starting from the Tees mouth at South Gare, you can begin to understand the contrast of the coast. Here you will find coastal views are dominated by Redcar's steel industry, but alongside this you also have a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
Following the sands of Coatham we come to the popular resort of Redcar, where fishing cobles land on the beach to sell their catches straight from the boat. The stretch of beach near Redcar Lifeboat Station has gained a Seaside Award for it's cleanliness and good water quality.
Two miles south along the coast we reach Marske, a quiet and serene part of the coast where boats still group on the slipway.
On to Saltburn which developed as a Victorian resort. The foreboding cliffs tower above the crashing North Sea which shadows the sand and shingle beach. An impressive recently restored pier extends 200 metres from the shoreline. The sea at Saltburn offers some of the best surfing conditions in the country.
The stretch of beach near the pier has also gained a Seaside Award which reflects our on-going efforts to keep our coastline as beautiful and clean as possible. The Seaside Award takes into account water quality, beach safety, dog-free zones, quality of signage for tourists and beach cleanliness. We have in place a weekly cleaning programme for the area of the beaches patrolled by lifeguards.
Saltburn beach
The coastline from Saltburn to Staithes is a designated Heritage Coast. Travelling along we come to the traditional fishing village of Skinningrove, it faces directly on to the sea with its fine secluded and quiet stretch of beach.
From here we reach Boulby, the home of the highest cliffs on England's East Coast and Britain's deepest mineshaft.
Staying safe at the beach
Spending the day at the beach is great fun, to make sure you stay safe whilst enjoying yourself please follow these guidelines:
- Always obey the warning flags
- Check the weather and tides
- Bathe within designated areas
- Do not swim after a meal
- Do not use inflatables in the sea
- Do not swim when tired
- Keep children within reach
- Keep clear of cliff edges
- Do not venture under the cliffs
- Observe dog bans
- Report any accidents or hazards
The red and yellow flag indicates a patrolled bathing zone - this is the safest swimming area - supervised by lifeguards.
The black and white flag indicates areas designated for non-powered craft (e.g. surfing).
DANGER is indicated by the red flagDo not enter the water.
Lifeguards:
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council provides two lifeguard stations, one on Redcar Promenade and the other on the lower Promenade at Saltburn. Lifeguard operational times for 2006 are - weekends from 27th May 2006 and full time from Mon 24th July 2006 and close down on Sunday 3rd Sept 2006. We would advise bathers to use the beach between the red and yellow flags which indicate the patrolled bathing zone.
Dog free zones:
Dog free zones are in operation at Redcar and Saltburn from 1st May - 30th September every year. The area at Saltburn stretches from the Pier to Hazelgrove. The restricted areas are clearly marked with signs.
Watersports along the coast
- Surfing and canoeing - Both sport are hugely popular at Saltburn. Only surf within the areas where the black and white flags are flown.
- Diving - Popular in Redcar, especially due to the numerous wrecks which lie along this coast.
- Jet skiing - This sport is becoming increasingly popular along the coast, before you launch a jet ski you must check with a lifeguard or the Resorts Manager. Jet skis are to be launched from Granville Terrace slipway at Redcar. Please be aware of the dangers of the scars at low tide.
- Windsurfing and Kite surfing - A popular area for this activity is Coatham beach opposite Majuba car park. Always check weather conditions before heading out.
- Sailing - Sailing is popular along the entire coast but a favourite area is South Gare.
- PLEASE NOTE - Please note quad biking, motorcycles and the driving of any motor vehicles on the beach are strictly forbidden, unless you are launching a boat.
Saltburn Surf Cam
Saltburn Surf Cam is a commercial website with a camera giving real-time footage of the surf at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Users must register and buy credit in order to view the live pictures.
Website: www.saltburnsurfcam.com †
Useful contacts
In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Humber Coast Guard
Tel: (01262) 672317
Should you require any further information contact:
Resorts Manager
Tel: (01642) 496427
E-mail: visitor_services@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Redcar Tourist Information Centre
West Terrace, Esplanade, Redcar, TS10 1RP
Tel: (01642) 471921
E-mail: redcar_tic@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Saltburn Tourist Information Centre
3 Station Buildings, Station Square, Saltburn, TS12 1AQ
Tel: (01642) 622422
E-mail: saltburn_tic@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Guisborough Tourist Information Centre
Priory Grounds, Church Street, Guisborough, TS14 6HG
Tel: (01287) 633801
E-mail: guisborough_tic@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Saltburn pier
