Selsey has much to offer the snorkeller, freediver and Scuba Diver. You can read more about the site here. It can be subject to strong currents and as a working beach there are considerations for your planning. We have put together this guide to help you. If you are unfamiliar with the site we offer Guided Snorkel Tours and Marshalled Dives.
Selsey can be subject to strong currents, these will be least close to the beach and increase as you go further out. This means that swimmers, and snorkellers should aim to stay closer to the shore when the tide is running. You can use objects such as the orientation of the fishing boats (which will point into the current) and movement of water past the groynes to help you decide when conditions are suitable for you. You can find more information on currents and slack water here.
When Scuba Diving and Freediving away from the shore think about whether you are able to manage swimming against some current or do you need complete slack (in which case, watch boats and buoys closely to see when they are not influenced by current). Current will carry away any disturbance in the water and some Marine Life will be more active. Therefore, visibility is often better further from the shore.
It is not unknown to be able to scuba dive for around 90 minutes on the right tide, getting in early will give you the best of the visibility. Unless we have had a period of settled weather the visibility will be better on the ebb. In the event you do find yourself being carried by the current, then swim at right angles into the beach and exit at the first convenient place. With a little logistics planning, drift diving at Selsey is fun, go with the flow, hop out and wait for the tide to turn so it can take you back.
Safety
- Please note that this is a working beach, more akin to a small harbour than a tourist beach. There are wires and ropes on the beach from winching operations. These wires will be slippery from grease / oil and may be moving.
- There will be boat Traffic from the Fishing Fleet, Selsey Angling club, and both Lifeboats. You must have Surface Marker Buoys, which are to be used at all times.
- The Inshore Lifeboat and Shannon All-weather Lifeboat launch down the beach in front of the Boathouse. Therefore, be aware of your position on the surface and under the water. Do not dive in the area immediately in front of the Boathouse and do not leave equipment on the beach in this area.
There is free Parking along Kingsway and a few spaces around the corner in Albion Rd in front of the Lifeboat Inn. Please do not park in the bus stop or in the spaces within the Lifeboat Station entrance. Please think of the residents when parking in the streets. East Beach has a large car park just a short walk away, you can always drop your equipment on the green then go and park the car. There are public toilets on the sea wall adjacent to the Lifeboat Station and by East Beach Kiosk which are open 0700 to 1930 in Summer.
If you need refreshment, you have several options close by. Potters situated in one corner of the Lifeboat Station area serves drinks, sandwiches featuring locally caught seafood and home-made cakes. If you want a more formal establishment then post dive drinks can be enjoyed at the Lifeboat Inn, Fisherman's Joy (junction of Albion Rd / Manor Rd) or The Seal (High St/ Hillfield Rd).
Safe diving and if you want to check the visibility conditions you can contact us the day before and we will be happy to provide a honest assessment.
