Swimming

Only really recommended during the holiday season, when the waters begin to warm up nicely, swimming is a great way to enjoy Hayling and it's beaches. Hayling has been awarded three European Blue Flag Awards and Seaside Awards for the cleanliness and management of the beaches at West Hayling (West Beach), at the beach in front of the fair ground (Beachlands) and Eastoke Corner.

The water can be accessed from any part of Hayling's seafront, with shallower waters being situated on Hayling's West Beach, by the golf course and Inn on the beach. Here the waters are usually warmest in the afternoon when the tide has been rising from mid to late morning. A little care is needed here as this part of the beach is the designated windsurfing area.

At high tides a little attention is needed as the water can become quite deep suddenly. Also the tides can become quite strong, but as there is little wave action on Hayling's sheltered coast, the currents usually only run along the shore.

The beaches can be also accessed from the Ferry and Sandy Point. These areas should not be swam in as the currents can be especially strong as the waters empty out of and into the two harbours (I have seen mooring buoys being swept under here at the strongest tides).

The harbours of Langstone and Chichester are both best avoided due to their being tidal inlets. As such, they are shallow waters over deep oozing mud, which can be very dangerous if strayed upon and the tide rising, as it it very easy to become stuck up to your waist in the mud.