Swimming often only works around high tide
Around low tide, large parts of the Wadden Sea fall dry, the BSH writes. On beaches in front of the mudflats the water then retreats far out, and it is too shallow or too far to swim. In such places swimming usually only makes sense for a few hours around high tide. How far the water retreats depends on the beach; if in doubt, ask the lifeguards or the local tourist office.
Before your beach day, check when high tide is. On the tide map you see the next high and low tides for every place and can plan your arrival around them.
Currents, wind and a changing sea floor
The rising and falling water comes with a horizontal movement, the tidal current. Wind and waves add to it. The DLRG points out that swimming in the sea is generally more dangerous than in lakes: the sea floor can change quickly, sandbanks appear or disappear, and a calm bathing area can become dangerous within minutes when the wind turns or the current is unfavourable.
The DLRG therefore advises swimming only at supervised beaches, never swimming when the red flag is up, and never letting children play at or in the water unsupervised.
What the flags on the beach mean
Red and yellow flag: the area is supervised by lifeguards. Yellow flag: dangerous conditions; inexperienced swimmers, children and older people should not swim. Red flag: bathing and swimming are life-threatening, for example because of currents, high waves or water pollution. Black and white quartered flag: water sports area, swimming is not allowed here.
If an orange windsock is also flying, the DLRG advises against air mattresses and inflatable toys, because offshore wind can carry them out to sea. A green flag, according to the DLRG, is not an official flag and has no meaning.
Only swim in the North Sea at supervised beaches under the red and yellow flag, and plan your beach visit around high tide.
See the tide for your placeFrequently asked questions
Can you swim in the North Sea at low tide?
On beaches in front of the Wadden Sea usually not, because the water retreats far out at low tide. Swim around high tide and at supervised spots.
What does the red flag on the beach mean?
Bathing and swimming are life-threatening, for example because of currents or high waves. Even experienced swimmers should stay out of the water.
How do I recognise a supervised beach?
By the red and yellow flag on the mast of a lifeguard station. It marks a bathing area secured by lifeguards.