Although visiting the beach is fun and family friendly, everyone should be aware of the possible dangers that our coastline can pose.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has some useful advice on water safety which is important to know before you visit. Tide tables can be found via the BBC website.
The Environment Agency provides advice and ratings on water quality on beaches and in other bathing areas, profiles for Hayling beach and other beaches.
Current advice from Southern Water is to think carefully before entering bathing and recreational waters during or for at least 24 hours after heavy rain. Water quality is also likely to be poorer on overcast days and during windy conditions when waves are high or waters are choppy.
Southern Water's Rivers and Seas Watch service provides up-to-date information on water quality via email alert.
Anyone who wants to report pollution should contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident line on 0800 80 70 60.
Further information about water quality for all users; including bathers and recreational users.
Warning signage is sited around the beach areas, please take time to read them when you arrive. The sandbanks and strong tidal flow at the harbour entrances can be dangerous. There are no lifeguards patrolling this area.
Hayling boasts many areas that are classified as Sites of special scientific interest (SSSI).
The SSSI is home to a number of ground nesting birds whose key breeding season takes places between 1 March and 31 July, please do not disturb them.
Seasonal restrictions are in place for dogs on Hayling beach; including a ban from dogs using the 'Blue Flag beach' from 1 May to 30 September. A Public Spaces Protection Order now combines all previous byelaws for dogs across the borough.
The PSPO requires dog owners in the borough to clear up after their dog and dispose of waste responsibly.
Seasonal byelaws apply to horses on Hayling Island Seafront between Good Friday and 30 September, during this time, horses are welcome from 7pm–10am.
Please be considerate of other users when on the beach, including cleaning up after your animals, also it is not permissible to break in or race any animal in such a manner that may cause danger or annoyance to anyone else using the beach.
Further information can be found in our Seashore byelaw document.