Helen’s Bay Beach
Helen’s Bay Beach is a popular visitor destination located on the North Down Coast within Crawfordsburn Country Park, sited on the shores of Belfast Lough.
The beach is approximately 0.5 Kilometres in length and comprised of sand with a rocky headland at either end. The site is backed by the North Down Coastal Path a 16 mile walking route between Holywood and Orlock. The beach shelves gently and is generally considered to be safe for bathers. Bathers are advised to stay out the sea 48hrs after heavy rainfall. Bathers should avoid bathing in the stream.
A large area of Belfast Lough is designated as a Ramsar site, a Special Protection Area and an Area of Special Scientific Interest in recognition of the habitat it provides for large numbers of birds and also important geological rock features evident
along its shores.
Bathing Season - 1 June to Mid September
Swimmers & Sea Users: There is no lifeguard service in operation on this beach. People deciding to swim and enter the sea do so at their own risk.
Follow the Safe Code:
Caution: No lifeguards on duty at this location. People swimming, do so at their own risk. In an emergency CALL 999 and ask for the Coastguard and quote CB3 as the location.
Cold shock: ‘gasp reflex’ can be triggered in water below 15C. Increase your exposure to open water gradually.
Don’t jump: Before jumping in, check for depth and hazards, get used to temperature. Stay within your limits. Swim near the shore, not away from it.
Watch children: Find a safe area for children to play in and watch them at all times.
Safe code: Remember to follow the swimmer’s SAFE code:
Spot, Advice, Friend and Emergency.
Safe Code
Spot - Spot the dangers
Check weather, Sea temperature
and tides before swimming.
Be aware of large waves/currents.
Advice - Take advice
Read local warning and guidance
signs. Ask locals for advice on
conditions, access/egress.
Friend - Always go with a friend
Never swim alone. Take someone
with you when you go into the
water. If something goes wrong
they will be able to get help.
Emergency - Know how to help in an Emergency
999 ask for Coastguard, give your
location and nature of emergency.
CB3 - Helen's Bay Beach
- In an Emergency CALL 999. Ask for the Coastguard and state the code 'CB3'.
Caution
There is no lifeguard service in operation on this beach.
People deciding to swim and enter the sea do so at their own risk.