Free toolLive countdownWorks offline

Cut-Off Risk Timer

This is the one timer that matters on a tide-walk. Enter the next high tide and how long you need to walk out — and watch the seconds count down to the moment your route goes under.

Start countdown How it works

How long until the water takes your path?

Flood line = 75% of the tidal range · planning aid

Next high tide date & time *

From your local tide table.

Tidal range (m)

Tide pattern

Semi-diurnal Diurnal Mixed

Walk back to safety (minutes)

Realistic, over rocky/slow ground — not your best pace.

Return route crosses low ground / sandbar?

Yes No

Enter the next high tide, your return walk time, then press Start countdown.

How it works

The numbers behind the countdown

What the flood line means

We define the flood line as 75% of the tidal half-range — the height at which low paths, sandbars and beach exits are typically underwater. The countdown runs to the next moment the rising tide reaches that line.

Latest safe start

latest safe start = flood time − your walk-back time − 60 minutes of safety margin. If that time has already passed, the tool tells you to turn back: you cannot reach high ground before the water arrives.

The colours

Green means over 3 hours of margin; amber is 1–3 hours — start turning back; red is under 1 hour, or the flood line already inside your walk time. Most coastal cut-offs happen to people who had 'plenty of time'.

⚠️

Safety first. Tide predictions here use a simplified harmonic model for planning only and may differ from official charts. Always check the official local tide table, lifeguard advice and on-site signs before you go. The sea can turn quickly — if in doubt, turn back.

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