Declared Facility · HM Coastguard
National Coastwatch Institution
Worms Head
Eyes Along the Coast
Voluntary visual watch and maritime VHF surveillance over Rhossili Bay, the tidal causeway, and the Bristol Channel approaches.
Data via Open-Meteo · not for navigation
Crossing windows are limited to daylight hours — some days have one window, others two, depending on when low tide falls.
Crucial Safety Rules
- Return walk: allow 1.5 hours from Outer Head.
- Don't wait to see water: the causeway is riddled with rock pools and gullies that can flood out of sight before water reaches the path you're standing on. Turn back well within the safe window — don't rely on watching for water at your feet.
- Never swim the Sound: tidal races make it impassable.
- Rapid surge: water can rise up to 2.5m per hour.
Visitor GuideWorms Head
Advice on terrain, distances, the seasonal bird sanctuary closure, and cut-off safety.
Read the guide →
Coastal SafetyWater & Beach Safety
Cold water shock, Float to Live, rip currents in Rhossili Bay, and offshore wind risk for paddleboarders.
Safety advice →
VolunteerBecome a Watchkeeper
Join the team. Full accredited training in maritime surveillance, VHF radio, and radar is provided.
Enquire about volunteering →Sponsor NCI Worms Head
Every rescue this station supports starts with a volunteer on watch. Sponsoring NCI Worms Head helps keep watchkeepers on duty over one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in Wales — while giving your business lasting, visible recognition at a station tens of thousands of visitors pass every year.
