Why is the Sea Brown in Skegness? – Explained

Visitors to Skegness often notice that the sea here isn’t the usual deep blue you might expect — instead, it can appear brown or murky. While it might seem unusual, this is a completely natural phenomenon caused by the unique coastal environment of the Lincolnshire seaside.

The Shallow Waters of Skegness

One of the main reasons the sea looks brown is the shallow waters along the Skegness coastline. Unlike deeper seas further out, the water here is only a few metres deep for quite a distance from the shore. This allows waves to easily stir up sand and silt from the seabed, keeping it suspended in the water and giving it a brownish hue.

The Role of Sediment and Rain

Heavy rain and river runoff contribute to the colour of the sea. Rainwater can wash soil and clay from inland fields into the sea, increasing the amount of natural sediment in the water. On windy days or during high tides, the combination of rain, waves, and tides stirs everything up even more, making the water appear darker.

Another key factor is Skegness’s location on the Lincolnshire coast, between The Wash and the Humber Estuary. Both of these large tidal systems carry a significant amount of silt and sediment from inland rivers out to the sea. As tides and currents move this silt along the coast, it naturally mixes into the shallow waters around Skegness, creating the distinctive brown colouring that is so characteristic of the area.

Is the Water Safe?

Despite its unusual colour, the brown sea in Skegness is perfectly safe. The brown tint is simply caused by natural sand and silt — not pollution. Local lifeguards monitor water quality alongside East Lindsey District Council and Anglian water, so visitors can enjoy swimming, paddling, and other seaside activities without worry. Skegness is also a Blue Flag Beach which means it meets specific water quality criteria and is safe to swim in.

You can check Skegness water quality readings yourself here.

A Unique Feature of the Lincolnshire Coast

In fact, many visitors come to appreciate the distinctive look of Skegness’s waters. When the sun hits the shallow, sandy seabed just right, the mix of water and sand can even create a sparkling, golden effect — a reminder that the brown sea is just part of the town’s coastal charm.

Next time you visit Skegness, take a moment to enjoy the unusual colour of the sea. It’s one of the many small quirks that make this seaside town unique and memorable.

Seasonal Changes in Water Colour

The brown colour of the sea isn’t always the same. In the summer, calmer seas and less rainfall can make the water appear lighter and even slightly golden, especially when the sun reflects off the sandy seabed. In winter, stronger winds and higher tides stir up more sediment, intensifying the brown hue. This seasonal variation is perfectly normal and is one of the unique quirks of the Lincolnshire coast.

Skegness Compared to Other Beaches

If you’ve visited nearby towns like Mablethorpe or Ingoldmells, you might notice similar brown waters. This is because the same tidal currents from The Wash and the Humber carry silt along much of the coastline. What makes Skegness stand out is the combination of shallow waters, wide sandy beaches, and the specific way the tides move along the shore, which keeps the sediment suspended for longer.

Local Myths and Curiosity

Over the years, the unusual colour of the water has inspired local curiosity and even a few myths. Some visitors jokingly call it “chocolate sea,” while locals know it as a normal part of the coastal ecosystem. Understanding the science behind the brown water makes your visit more interesting — it’s a reminder that nature shapes Skegness in unexpected ways, giving the town its own distinctive character.