On Bank Holiday Monday, May 26, a Mini left parked at Polzeath Beach in Cornwall narrowly avoided being swept into the sea by a rising spring tide. The car had been parked well beyond the main beach car park, in an area marked by seaweed—a clear sign of recent tidal activity.
The Polzeath Beach Ranger Service captured the tense moment in a video shared on Facebook, warning drivers: “If you drive over seaweed to get to your parking space, consider how the seaweed might have been delivered.” Their advice underscores the risk of parking too close to the water, especially as tides change rapidly.
Fortunately, the vehicle’s owner returned just in time to move the car away before the tide could carry it off. This incident has prompted the beach rangers to remind visitors of the importance of monitoring tidal movements and heeding posted warning signs.
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A spokesperson for Polzeath Beach Ranger Service told Cornwall Live, “The tide was at its highest on that day, but spring tides can be even higher. Tide heights depend on factors like sun and moon phases, wind, waves, and atmospheric pressure.” They emphasized the value of the beach car park, noting that it is one of the last in the area and essential for both tourism and the local community. The fees collected help fund vital services such as lifeguards, beach cleaning, and maintenance.
The incident echoes a familiar theme during Cornwall’s “silly season,” when drivers often become stranded by attempting to park in risky spots on the beach. While such scenes are common during the summer holiday rush, there is growing concern that these events are occurring earlier each year.
Visitors are urged to remain cautious and respect warning signs to avoid becoming the next story of a car trapped by the tide at Polzeath Beach.