Clacton Beach Martello Tower

1. Swim & bodyboard at a lifeguarded beach, between the red & yellow flags.
2. Never use inflatables in strong off shore winds – use only between the red & yellow flags.
3. Check weather and tide times before you go.
4. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help, if on a bodyboard/inflatable/surfboard do not let go as these will help you float.
5. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

1. Find out about your chosen beach before you go at goodbeachguide.co.uk.
2. Check weather and tides before you go.
3. Read the safety signs at the beach entrance to make yourself aware of specific local hazards.
4. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
5. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard but don't attempt a rescue yourself.

Water quality needs to be monitored at popular beaches which are called ‘designated bathing waters’ under the Bathing Water Directive. A bathing water is defined as a beach (o r inland site) used by a large number of bathers. This is usually considered to be popular, well-used beaches (and lakes), where bathing is promoted or associated facilities are provided.

Sometimes when beaches do not meet these requirements they are monitored on a voluntary basis by the local authority. Although this provides information about the general quality of the bathing water to beach users there is no legal requirement to monitor water quality here and ensure that this beach meets the required bathing water standard or to improve the quality. That is why it is better for any beach which meets the requirements to be designated as a bathing water.

How does a bathing water become designated?

Anyone can recommend that a bathing water should be designated. Please contact the relevant authority for further information;

England – Defra Bathing Waters Team bathingwater@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Wales – Welsh Government Water Branch water@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Scotland – SEPA Bathing Waters Team bathingwaters@sepa.org.uk
Northern Ireland – Department of Environment NI enquiries@doeni.gov.uk

Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Beaches in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not covered by the EU Bathing Waters Directive but they have chosen to monitor some of their popular beaches using the same standards. The Isle of Man Government has not confirmed whether it will adopt the new bathing water standards for the end of 2015. For further information about bathing water sampling please contact the relevant authority;

Jersey – Envprotection@gov.je
Guernsey – info@gov.gg
Isle of Man – enquiries@gov.im

Water quality needs to be monitored at popular beaches which are called ‘designated bathing waters’ under the Bathing Water Directive. A bathing water is defined as a beach (or inland site) used by a large number of bathers. This is usually considered to be popular, well-used beaches (and lakes), where bathing is promoted or associated facilities are provided.

Sometimes when beaches do not meet these requirements they are monitored on a voluntary basis by the local authority. Although this provides information about the general quality of the bathing water to beach users there is no legal requirement to monitor water quality here and ensure that this beach meets the required bathing water standard or to improve the quality. That is why it is better for any beach which meets the requirements to be designated as a bathing water.

How does a bathing water become designated?

Anyone can recommend that a bathing water should be designated. Please contact the relevant authority for further information;

England – Defra Bathing Waters Team bathingwater@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Wales – Welsh Government Water Branch water@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Scotland – SEPA Bathing Waters Team bathingwaters@sepa.org.uk
Northern Ireland – Department of Environment NI enquiries@doeni.gov.uk

Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Beaches in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not covered by the EU Bathing Waters Directive but they have chosen to monitor some of their popular beaches using the same standards. The Isle of Man Government has not confirmed whether it will adopt the new bathing water standards for the end of 2015. For further information about bathing water sampling please contact the relevant authority;

Jersey – Envprotection@gov.je
Guernsey – info@gov.gg
Isle of Man – enquiries@gov.im

Water quality needs to be monitored at popular beaches which are called ‘designated bathing waters’ under the Bathing Water Directive. A bathing water is defined as a beach (or inland site) used by a large number of bathers. This is usually considered to be popular, well-used beaches (and lakes), where bathing is promoted or associated facilities are provided.

Sometimes when beaches do not meet these requirements they are monitored on a voluntary basis by the local authority. Although this provides information about the general quality of the bathing water to beach users there is no legal requirement to monitor water quality here and ensure that this beach meets the required bathing water standard or to improve the quality. That is why it is better for any beach which meets the requirements to be designated as a bathing water.

How does a bathing water become designated?

Anyone can recommend that a bathing water should be designated. Please contact the relevant authority for further information;

England – Defra Bathing Waters Team bathingwater@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Wales – Welsh Government Water Branch water@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Scotland – SEPA Bathing Waters Team bathingwaters@sepa.org.uk
Northern Ireland – Department of Environment NI enquiries@doeni.gov.uk

Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Beaches in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not covered by the EU Bathing Waters Directive but they have chosen to monitor some of their popular beaches using the same standards. The Isle of Man Government has not confirmed whether it will adopt the new bathing water standards for the end of 2015. For further information about bathing water sampling please contact the relevant authority;

Jersey – Envprotection@gov.je
Guernsey – info@gov.gg
Isle of Man – enquiries@gov.im

Bacteria in the water can come from a number of places, including water draining from farms and towns during heavy rain; untreated sewage mixed with rainwater filling the system and overflowing into rivers and the sea (to prevent homes from flooding); and homes and businesses draining dirty water into the wrong pipes.

To help improve water quality:

• Water companies can improve the way that sewage is treated where needed, and work to reduce sewer overflows during heavy rainfall.

• Environment regulators can investigate where pollution is coming from and rectify this.

• Home and business owners can help stop sewer blockages by only flushing the 3Ps – pee, poo and paper. Everything else e.g. wet wipes, sanitary products and cotton buds, goes in the bin. Cooking oils and fat can also cause drain blockages if poured down the sink as they set hard. Cool them first then put in the bin. Check your drains aren’t sending dirty water from toilets, showers and dishwashers into the wrong pipes – go to www.connectright.org.uk

• Beach users can report pollution incidents to the local council and the environmental regulators pollution hotline (0800 807060), make sure they don’t leave any rubbish on the beach and clean up after their dog.

• Land owners and local authorities can reduce diffuse pollution which reaches our coast via contaminated rainwater run-off.