As summer arrives in England, the Environment Agency has identified 18 bathing spots where water quality is rated 'poor', advising against swimming. These sites include popular locations such as Blackpool North, Bridlington South Beach, Bognor Regis (Aldwick), Scarborough South Bay, and three spots in Weston-super-Mare.
Among the 425 official bathing sites in England, 281 are classified as 'excellent' and 99 as 'good'. However, five sites that were previously rated acceptable have now deteriorated to 'poor'. Littlestone in Kent dropped from 'good', while Porthluney in Cornwall, Southsea East in Portsmouth, and St Annes North in Blackpool fell from 'sufficient'. The River Deben Estuary in Suffolk, not previously listed, is now also a no-go area.
Additionally, the Environment Agency has issued permanent advice against swimming at four sites: Clacton (Groyne 41), Instow, Ilfracombe Wildersmouth, and Burnham Jetty North. The ratings are based on tests conducted throughout 2023 for harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Intestinal enterococci.
