Spit

A narrow projection of sand, shingle or other sediment extending from the shore into the water.

A spit forms through the transport and deposition of material by waves and currents and remains attached to land at one end. Its outer end may curve or develop shoals, and parts of it can be exposed, awash or submerged according to tide and water level.

Spits can change position and shape, making the surrounding depths and channels particularly liable to alteration. Mariners should use current charts, local information and observed marks and should not infer safe water solely from the visible shoreline.