A comprehensive (beginners) guide to tides for swimmers

And what to do if you get caught in a rip tide

Author photo: Nairn’s East beach from Nairn harbour showing the sandbars and the Old Bar in the distance

Is the tide coming in?

Imagine the scene; you are standing on the beach at Nairn watching the waves and listening to the Oystercatchers. Is the tide rising, coming in, or falling, going out? Depending on where you stand on the sand the answer to this question could be very important to your…