50 beaches in England to be banned for swimming in wave of EU blacklistings
Photo Credit: Seaton Beach, Cornwall, UK, in July 2010. The swimming quality may fall short of new EU water cleanliness standards. flickr.com / Paul Harris
Skift Take
A flexible approached, as espoused by VisitCornwall, would appear to make more sense than a rigid approach that would deprive impacted communities and beach-goers of economic well-being, and some sun and fun.
More than 50 of England’s most treasured beaches are at risk of being blacklisted as unsafe for swimming under new European regulations.
With the temperature expected to rival that in the south of France over the bank holiday, many people will be heading to Britain’s beaches to soak up some sun and cool down in the surf today and tomorrow.
But European Union rules are posing a threat to the chances of enjoying a healthy dip in the sea at more than 50 of England’s most treasured beaches, as they are at risk of being blacklisted as unsafe for swimming.
The Environment Agency has warned that the beaches, listed among the 500 bathing sites around the country, are unlikely to meet new water cleanliness standards that come into force in 2015.
The new regulations being brought in by the EU are up to twice as strict as current requirements and will mean beaches that fail annual tests will be deemed unfit for swimming.
Officials fear that at least 55 beaches, including many
