Holidaymakers seeking a classic British seaside escape are being urged to check water quality data before packing their buckets and spades, as a damning new report reveals the UK's dirtiest beaches.
Exclusive analysis of data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency has pinpointed the bathing spots officially classified as having 'Poor' water quality for 2024. These locations have consistently failed to meet minimum standards, posing potential health risks to swimmers.
The Beaches Falling Short
The findings serve as a stark warning for families planning a summer trip. A dip in water deemed 'Poor' can lead to illnesses like stomach bugs, ear infections, and skin rashes due to pollutants and sewage discharges.
The full list of beaches with a 'Poor' status for the 2024 bathing season includes:
- Blackpool North (Lancashire)
- Blackpool Central (Lancashire)
- Blackpool South (Lancashire)
- St Mary's Bay (Kent)
- Burnham Jetty North (Somerset)
- Clacton (Groyne 41) (Essex)
- Instow (Devon)
- Scarborough South Bay (North Yorkshire)
- Walpole Bay, Margate (Kent)
- Weymouth Central (Dorset)
What Do the Water Quality Ratings Mean?
The Environment Agency monitors bathing water based on four classifications:
- Excellent: The highest, cleanest classification.
- Good: Generally good water quality.
- Sufficient: Meets the minimum standard.
- Poor: Does not meet the minimum standard. Advice is against bathing.
Beaches with a 'Poor' rating are legally required to display signs warning visitors against entering the water. The classification is based on water sampling conducted over the previous four years.
A Call for Action
These results have intensified pressure on water companies and authorities to tackle the sources of pollution, which often include agricultural runoff and frequent sewage overflows. Environmental campaigners argue that more investment and stricter regulations are urgently needed to protect the UK's coastline and public health.
Before heading to the coast this summer, swimmers are encouraged to check the latest water quality status for their intended destination on the government's official website.
