Relict wave formed berms and storm ridges, aeolian formed foredunes, and a mix of these are all termed beach ridges. This paper briefly reviews sand or mixed sand/gravel ridge formation, and then examines whether sea level at the time of formation can be determined from beach ridge height, -crest-swale elevational differences, and the foredune toe-top of backshore boundary. It further examines whether it is possible for sand beach ridges to be currently situated above present sea level yet be formed by lower sea levels. The results indicate that the foredune toe-top of backshore position can be relatively well established from both field surveys and GPR studies and relates well to sea level. Beach ridge height is a highly unreliable indicator of sea level. Claims of terrestrially prominent sand beach ridges formed by lower sea levels appear spurious.