By Chris Bradley
The Good Beach Guide have reported that the bathing water has improved in quality for UK beaches and is in fact the best it has been for twenty five years. The Marine Conservation Society has this year awarded 461 sites their top award which is 42 more than last year. Some of the best rated beaches are Portobello Central, Tenby, Newquay and Portrush. Sadly, there were 46 beaches which did not meet the European standards.
The water was tested by the Marine Conservation Society at 782 sites across the country. Some of the beaches which were classed as failing last year were Par and Bude’s Summerleaze which were classed as recommended this year. Those that failed this year included Church Beach in Lyme Regis, St Andrews East Sands and Aberdyfi in Gwynedd. They are concerned that this number may get larger over the next few years as European Law is tightening up on its standards from 2015.
They are concerned that it is still legal to pump sewage in to the sea and the amounts are not monitored. The dirty water can give swimmers infections but also put people off visiting the places. By making the beaches cleaner and the seas safer to swim in, people will be more likely to visit the UK coast for their holiday. With tourism being such an important factor in the UK economy, it is essential that the government and the Environmental Agency work together to make sure that the bathing water cleanliness stays high and if possible improves even more.
