Coastal recreation and byelaws

Coastal byelaws

The Public Health acts of 1936 and 1961 and the Local Government Act 1972 give the council the legal power to create and enforce byelaws regulating activities on the beach and water users up to 1000 yards out from mean low water. Chichester District Council has created 3 byelaws to do this. They are the Byelaws for:

The Seashore which regulates dangerous games, trading, excessive noise, public shows, fires / BBQ's and horse riding on the beach.
Seaside Pleasure boats which limits watercraft to 8 knots up to 300m from mean low water.
Navigation of Sailboards which regulates dangerous windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Following several incidents involving jet skis and a public survey in 1990 the council resolved to limit the use of jet skis along it's shoreline. This proved not possible through the vehicle of byelaws but as land owner of the foreshore the council resolved to ban jet skis / personal watercraft from launching / recovering from council owned slipways. Whilst the council cannot prevent jet skis from navigating in tidal water they are obliged to stick within the 8 knot speed limit within 300 yards of mean low water.

There are also various other laws that apply to beach users such as the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea ('Colregs') , section 34 of the Road Traffic Act that prohibits motorised vehicles on the beach, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 making it an offense to harm animals, plants, birds and the protected fossils beds.

Navigation of Sailboards Byelaws (Word doc, 24 KB)
Seaside Pleasure Boats Byelaws (Word doc, 27 KB)
Seashore Byelaws (Word doc, 34 KB)
Seashore Byelaw Map (PDF, 158 KB)
Sailboard Byelaw Map (PDF, 168 KB)
Pleasure Boat Byelaws Map (PDF, 182 KB)

Chichester Harbour Conservancy (opens new window)

National Trust - East Head (opens new window)

Tide Predictions: Chichester Harbour (opens new window)

Coastal recreation

Chichester District Council manages nine miles of coastline from Pagham Harbour to Chichester Harbour. The entire district coastline has stunning views from Pagham Harbour nature reserve at the Eastern end to views across Chichester Harbour and the Solent in the West. The whole district coastline is important for migrating birds and between Selsey and Bracklesham there is a Site of Specific Interest (SSSI) which is also renowned for fossils from the Eocene period 45 million years ago.

There are several caravan and camping sites in the area and the village of East Wittering offers local shops, cafes and restaurants.

Barbecues

Well controlled barbecues are permitted all along the council run beach from Shore Road in East Wittering to Park Copse in Selsey. In the past coastal defence works have been ignited so we ask that barbecues are kept a minimum of two meters away from wooden groynes and coastal breasts. To avoid upsetting residents we request that barbecues are a minimum of five meters away from private property. Consideration should also be given to wind direction and people in the vicinity. Late night barbecues are to be avoided as can be an annoyance to residents.

Beaches

There are glorious sandy beaches at West Wittering and East Head which are very popular in the summer months. Bracklesham and Selsey also have splendid gently shelving sandy beaches approximately 2 hours either side of high tide. The area is ideal for a wide range of water sports including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, sea fishing, surfing and diving. There are many different coastal based clubs in the area most of which are listed in our Sports club directory.

The beaches at Selsey, Bracklesham Bay, and West Wittering typically achieve "excellent" water quality ratings and have all passed the stringent European Environment Commission (EEC) bathing water quality standards.

Car parks

There are several car parks along our stretch of coastline:

In Selsey there is a car park at East Beach and one at the end of Hillfield Road. Charges apply.
In Bracklesham there is parking available at the end of Bracklesham Lane, and at East Wittering there is a car park on Marine Drive. Charges apply.

Dog control

You must pick up your dog's mess everywhere on the beach and seafront areas. Well behaved dogs are allowed everywhere on the beach at Bracklesham and East Wittering. However, at Selsey there is a dog free zone (May-September) by East Beach slipway, between groynes E26 and E33. There are signs on the promenade which indicate the dog free zone. The restrictions are in place between 1 May and 30 September each year. These restrictions do not apply to assistance dogs.

Fires

Open fires are not allowed.

Before lighting a barbecue, you should plan how you will dispose of it. One of the biggest complaints about beach barbecues is that they are left on the beach. This is because they are too often hot to move.

If you are going to be on the beach all day then, your barbecue may have a chance to naturally cool down. This will enable you to put it in one of the bins provided. If you only plan to be on the beach for a couple of hours then you need to have the means to extinguish the fire.

We suggest using sea water. Do not bury disposable barbecues under the shingle. The shingle can remain hot and sometimes cracks which creates sharp edges. This is a hazard for beach users.

See our code of conduct for more information.

Foreshore service

We operate a foreshore service along the coast from Pagham Harbour to Chichester Harbour from Easter to the end of September to enforce the byelaws and ensure public safety.

Please use the contact form. Alternatively, call the Foreshore Officer on 01243 672133.

Contact the Foreshores Service

Horse riding

Horses are permitted throughout the year on our beaches from the entrance to Pagham Harbour to our boundary edge at Shore Road in Wittering. However due care and attention must be paid to users of the beach, they are not permitted to jump the breakwaters or race on the beach and owners must clean up after their horses.

Slipways

Chichester District Council's slipways were originally created for coastal defence purposes however the council allows the launching of public vessels (excluding personal watercraft / jet skis) at three locations along the foreshore between Chichester and Pagham Harbours. Please observe the 8 knot speed limit within 300 metres of mean low water. Anybody found breaking this speed limit is liable to prosecution.

Bracklesham

The slipway at Bracklesham is often covered in shingle which prevents access. The Foreshore Service clears the ramp 3 times during the summer.

For safety reasons the public are requested not to use their own vehicle to launch or recover their vessel as even 4x4's will get stuck. Only small lightweight craft which can be launched by hand such as canoes or sailing dinghies should be launched here.

East Beach

In October 2011 Chichester District Council constructed a new slipway at East Beach, Selsey. It was funded through a pathfinder grant received from Defra and replaced an old ramp that due to shingle build-up became unusable. The new slipway is available for free public use (apart from Jetskis) throughout the year although trailers left in the car park must have a separate parking ticket. Please note that the gradient of the ramp steepens towards the seaward end so that vehicles do not have to drive too far in to the water, however vehicles may struggle for traction particularly two wheel drive cars, towing larger vessels, when the ramp is wet. You use the slipway at your own risk, we recommend that you have adequate help and if in any doubt consider using a strong rope connected between the trailer and the car.

Hillfield Road

The slipway at Hillfield Road car park in Selsey is often covered in shingle. It also has restricted access due to a "dog leg" which prevents larger vessels from launching. Small craft can be launched here but careful consideration must be given to tidal conditions due to the strong currents in this area. There are also various hazardous underwater reefs and banks just off the shoreline and we recommend a chart is consulted.

Use of the foreshore for commercial activities

Chichester District Council leases the foreshore at Bracklesham, East Wittering and Selsey. There are byelaws in place that restrict commercial activities, such as selling food and drink or providing commercial services, e.g., fitness classes. For this reason we do not grant licences for commercial activities on the foreshore.

The council owns some of the land adjacent to the foreshore. Some of this land can be used for commercial activities (subject to obtaining a licence). However there are some areas of land at Bracklesham that are legally required to be kept as free open public space and cannot therefore be used for commercial activities.

We licence operators to ensure that:

the council is aware of activities taking place on its land
access to and use of public open space is preserved for all visitors
foreshore visitors can benefit from, enjoy and engage in activities in a variety of outdoor environments
activities are suitably risk assessed and appropriate insurance is in place.

If you wish to charge people for attending an activity at the beach or advertise or sell a product or service contact the Foreshore Service to outline your proposal.

Licenses are granted through the council's Estates department. The cost of a licence is dependent on the type of activity taking place. Admin charges may also be applied.

Frequently asked questions

I have a physical disability, can I access the main beaches in the Chichester district?

All of our beaches are shingle; however, sand is revealed at low tides. The changing nature of our beaches means that it isn't practical to provide permanent disabled access down to the shoreline. The Council will periodically grade the shingle at Bracklesham; however due to the tide this unfortunately doesn't last and still isn't a suitable surface for wheelchair users. Parking for disabled persons is provided in the council's car parks that are adjacent to our beaches. Anyone considering the use of a specially adapted wheelchair to access the shore will need to fully assess their return route up the shingle bank as it will be extremely difficult, even with assistance. There is a footpath along the top of the sea wall in East Beach Selsey - this is reasonably accessible in the summer months; however, be aware that shingle is often deposited onto the footpath after stormy weather. There is a concrete apron at Bracklesham Bay that is accessible to wheelchair users and there is a footpath that runs adjacent to the beach at East Wittering. The nearby West Wittering beach is fully accessible and equipped for disabled persons. New changing facilities are being provided from Summer 2024. See West Wittering beach estate (opens new window) website for further information.

If there is an incident requiring first aid treatment, where can I get help from?

Our website has some basic tips on dealing with stings. The NHS (opens new window) website is extremely helpful, alternatively call them on 111.

Can I drive my car on the beach?

It is against the Road Traffic Act 1988 (section 34) to drive a motorised vehicle on the beach without the permission of the land owner.

Can I take my dog on the beach?

Well behaved dogs are allowed everywhere on the beach at Bracklesham and East Wittering. However, at Selsey there is a dog free zone (May-September) by East Beach slipway (see CDC website for further details). Owners must pick up after their dogs everywhere - fixed penalty notices can be served on people that don't comply.

Can I ride my horse on the beach?

Yes, although we expect owners to keep to the code of conduct and only ride at low tide. Beach access is via a shingle bank. The shingle is loose and can give way so riders should make their own judgement if it is safe or not, in addition, you may struggle to find parking. We suggest you consult tide times and the weather forecast to avoid disappointment.

Where can I load/unload my horsebox, and what are the parking arrangements for parking a horsebox in a council car park?

There are no special arrangements for the loading and unloading of horses. Parking space is limited and provided on a first come first served basis. We suggest you avoid bringing your horsebox to the beach on hot sunny days particularly at the weekend unless it's early in the morning or late in the evening. The vehicle and horsebox must be parked in the parking bays and a ticket must be purchased for each. If using MiPermit, it will not allow the same registration to be used on both at the same time. The options are to buy 2 P&D tickets from the machine and display both on the vehicle dashboard, or buy one P&D from the machine and display it in the vehicle, and one digital stay via MiPermit.

What do I do if I find a seal, on the beach?

It's not unusual to see seals resting on the beach. Seals are semi-aquatic and spend a lot of their time on land to sleep, conserve energy, digest food more efficiently and raise pups. Please remain at least 100m away from a seal on the beach and keep your pets under control. For more information see what to do if (opens new window)

What do I do if I find a dead animal on the beach?

Certain animals (whales, dolphins and porpoise) need to be reported, see UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (opens new window) for more information.

Dead birds should be reported Report dead wild birds (opens new window).

Many animals that wash up will be removed from the beach with the next tide, however if tide heights are falling and the weather settles it may remain there for several days. To avoid distress and possible disease, we suggest the carcass is removed asap, particularly if the animal was washed up in a busy populated area. It is the land owners responsibility to remove animals from the beach. Specialist contractors can be employed to remove the carcass which is usually then incinerated.

If you find a dead animal on the beach within the Chichester District you can report it using our Contact the Foreshores Service or contact the Foreshore service on 01243 672133 or the Council offices on 01243 785166 and they can coordinate its removal.

When does the tide go out?

Local tide times are displayed at Bracklesham and can be found here Chichester harbour tide times (opens new window). If the tide is fully in (high tide) then in just under six hours later the tide will be fully out (low tide).

What is the difference between the Coastguard, the RNLI and the District Council's Foreshore Service?

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency provide a 24-hour maritime and coastal search and rescue emergency coordination and response service for the United Kingdom. They have helicopters and land-based rescue teams including for mud rescue.

The RNLI provide a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland. They operate the lifeboats and can be tasked by the Coastguard to assist in search and rescue incidents. There are also several other independent rescue services operating around the coast such as Ryde Rescue.

Chichester District Council leases the beach from the Crown Estates. Our responsibilities include: managing this area of land; providing safety signage; offering safety advice; providing public rescue equipment; and, enforcing bylaws.

I have a "pedlar's licence" - can I sell ice cream / drinks on the beach?

No, the seashore byelaw restricts trading on the beach. A pedlar's licence would allow you to trade on foot on a street providing you do not remain in one place see Street trading for more information.

Where can I launch my boat?

You can launch your own boat using East Beach slipway at Selsey. We periodically pressure wash the slipway and it can be slippery, so it is used entirely at your own risk. An alternative slipway is available for public use at Itchenor.

Why can't I launch my jet ski?

Following an accident, the council placed a ban on all personal watercraft from launching at its beaches. You can still launch jet skis in Chichester Harbour, but you need a licence from the harbour master. See Chichester Harbour Conservancy (opens new window) for more information.

Where can I go fishing on the beach and can I dig for bait?

You can fish anywhere along our beach provided that you're not endangering anyone else. If it's a nice day we suggest that you go to a more secluded spot away from bathers. You can dig for bait provided that it is for your own personal use only.

The car park is full. Where can I park?

There is limited parking along the coast. On nice days the car park at Bracklesham often gets full. You may find parking at the Marine Drive car park in West Wittering, or you can try Selsey, East Beach which often has spaces. You can find more information about the district council's car parks at Car parks

Parking at nearby West Wittering beach estate (opens new window) can be booked in advance online, guaranteeing a space.

Can I scatter my late relative's ashes in the sea?

We have no rules against it; however, we do ask that this is done away from other beach users. It can get quite windy on the beach so you may want to think about wind direction.

Where is it safe to swim on this beach?

Lots of people visit our beaches every year and few experience serious difficulty. However, the beach is a natural environment with multiple hazards and there are no lifeguards operating along our beach.

Bracklesham and East Wittering do not have any rip currents and the beach is gently sloped, however, there can be quite big waves particularly at high tide which can make it difficult to get back out of the sea.

At East Beach in Selsey the beach is steeper and there can be cross currents. In addition you can often get offshore winds due to the prevailing South Westerly wind, so we suggest you do not use inflatables unless you have thought about wind direction.

At the Southern part of Selsey (Selsey Bill) there are strong tidal currents so we suggest not swimming there.

If you do get in to trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Anyone seeking a lifeguarded beach should visit West Wittering. It has a fully lifeguarded service between set hours of the day during high season - check their website for details.

What is the water quality like here?

The Environment Agency test the water quality at Bracklesham and at East Beach in Selsey between May and September. Usually it is classed as "Excellent". It is worth noting that water quality is often worse for a couple of days after heavy rainfall as surface water drains off the local fields and roads.

Why haven't those ships out at sea moved?

There is a ships anchorage site just to the east of the Isle of Wight. Some ships such as oil tankers may wait there for several days if they feel that the price of oil is going to increase.

Where can I rent a boat?

There is nowhere that we know of locally that rents out boats.

What are the posts at the end of the groynes for?

These are called beacon markers. They are primarily used for navigation so that watercraft can avoid hitting the groynes.

Can I anchor my boat here?

You are allowed to anchor all along our coast; however, you are not allowed to moor your boat without permission from the Crown Estate. A mooring is something that is fixed, while an anchor is something that is lifted up on to your boat and taken with you.

I've found some ordnance on the beach, what do I do?

If you find ordnance below mean high water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find it above mean high water then call the Police. Do not pick it up.

How do I dispose of my old flares?

Flares are pyrotechnics and can explode. Until December 2022 you could arrange to take them to specific Coastguard stations, and they would dispose of them. The Coastguard has since stopped this service. Some marinas periodically organise a 'flare amnesty'. Shops that sold you the flare are supposed to take them back and dispose of them, you may need to prove that you bought it from them or pay them for disposal. Leaving them in public places or outside Coastguard or police stations is a criminal offence. At the moment there is no easy way to dispose of out-of-date flares but we encourage you to dispose of them safely.

I think there is someone in danger, what do I do?

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. There is public rescue equipment (lifebuoys and throwlines) at many areas which may help if someone is struggling close to the shoreline. All our signage has a location code which you can quote, or you can use apps such as "what3words".

Can I sponsor a bench?

Many of the existing benches by the beach have been installed in memory of a loved one. Unfortunately, we can only accommodate a limited number of benches at the beach. Sometimes people are happy to have multiple plaques on a bench or maybe a bench needs repairs and the original owner cannot be contacted. It's best for you to contact our foreshore service with an idea of where you would like to place a bench, or which bench you would like to take over / maintain and we can take it from there.

Can I use my metal detector on the beach?

The Crown Estate owns the foreshore and allows metal detecting subject to terms and conditions - please see Metal detecting and drone flying (opens new window) for more information. The council leases the foreshore from the Crown Estate, and we have no objection to people using a metal detector on the foreshore provided they adhere to the Crown Estate's terms.

Can I fly my drone over the beach?

We generally don't give permission to fly a drone over the beach or council-owned land by the beach for the following reasons:

There are many private houses that are next to the district council's beach and residents and beach goers understandably want to protect their privacy.
There are often people with few clothes on (including children) who shouldn't be photographed/filmed.
Our beaches get busy and for safety reasons drones should never be used near other people
The Medmerry and Pagham Harbour nature reserves are bird nesting / migration routes and drones could disrupt birds' natural behaviours.
Many people who fly drones are unaware of the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations regarding drones and their use.

A kitesurfer almost hit me whilst I was swimming. What do I do?

In the first instance we suggest you politely ask the kitesurfer to keep a further distance away from you. Alternatively, you can report the incident online on the council's website using the contact foreshores form.

Can I remove shingle from the beach?

No, it is illegal to remove shingle from beaches as it is potentially damaging to the environment.

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