How to Find a Waterline on the Beach

If you camp or hike in tidal regions you need to be aware of the waterline on the beach you select for your campsite. Waterlines indicate the last high tide mark and are a good indicator of how high the water will reach at the next high. Finding a waterline is a quick task. Before you head out for your adventure, get a copy of the local tide tables.

Instructions

1

Walk the beach and watch for a defined line of seaweed and ocean detritus. It will mark the waterline left from the last high tide. Use this as a good indicator for where the next high tide will be. Establish camp above that line and make sure any kayaks or water crafts are hauled well above the waterline mark.

2

Consult the tide table for the day's tides. Check the high tide levels and times for the day and night. For example, if you came ashore at 3 p.m. and the high tide that left the waterline at 11:30 a.m. was from a 12-feet-high tide, then you can assume the next high tide will be about 12 feet high as well.

3

Check the next high tide time and the level. Check to see if the tide will be higher than the one prior and prepare to move camp higher as needed. As a general rule, camp at least 50 feet above the waterline in tidal zones.