Resources

We’ve got lots of useful documents, videos and leaflets available for you to use. Use the filters to find what you’re looking for.

Beach BBQ Guidance

Advice on how to safely have a BBQ on the beach.

Please note that BBQ restrictions are in place at some beaches in the North West, check signage on arrival.

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Dog Restrictions At Bathing Waters

Read more about where you can enjoy the North West coast with your dog and some advice on how to look after our bathing waters whilst you are there.

North-West-beach-guidelines-for-dog-owners

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Classroom presentation

Use this presentation with primary school classes to see how they can follow in the footsteps of 'Super Sam' and love the beach wherever they are!

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School assembly presentation

Download this LOVEmyBEACH school assembly which can be edited by teachers to suit your needs. Introduce children to beach topics and what they can all do to love the beach!

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Engagement volunteer role

Are you passionate about caring for the beach? Want to inspire others too? Why not become a LOVEmyBEACH engagement and events volunteer. Find out more here!

Chavala Blackpool beach permission high res

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Rock pool bingo

Find these 10 species in rock pools on the North West coast to complete rock pool bingo! Blackpool's old sea defenses are a good spot to try

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Birds poster

Free download poster reminding people not to feed birds at the beach so they don't poo in the water where people swim and paddle!

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Bag and bin it poster

Free to download poster reminding people to bag and bin their dog's mess to help keep our beaches and bathing waters clean

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Only flush the 3 p's poster

Free to download poster to remind people to only flush the 3 p's - pee, poo and (toilet) paper!

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Water quality

The Environment Agency monitors bathing waters – stretches of sea or lake where many people swim and paddle – to assess whether they meet the strict standards of the European Bathing Water Directive. The standards are set to protect public health and the environment from pollution.

The Environment Agency takes 20 water samples at each bathing water between May and September each year and post the information online: http://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/

The samples are tested for certain types of bacteria: escherichia coli (E.coli) and intestinal enterococci, which are not directly harmful but indicate the presence of pollution. The bacteria are found in the intestines of animals and humans and pass through the body in poo. High levels of bacteria = poor water quality.

However, the water may be cleaner on the actual day you visit the beach, as the quality can change, particularly after heavy rain washes pollution into rivers and the sea. Look out for daily forecasts at some beaches.

Each beach is also given an annual classification. From 2015 this is based on sample results over the previous four years, e.g. 2015 results use data from 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. 2016 results use data from 2013 to 2016 and so on. The classifications are:

Excellent

The standard is the highest, cleanest class

Good

Generally good water quality

Sufficient

The water meets the minimum standards

Poor

Bathing is not advised at this beach as water quality has not met sufficient standards

If a bathing water is classed as Poor, you are advised not to bathe because samples taken over the previous four years have been affected by pollution. This does not mean the beach is closed – you can still enjoy everything the beach has to offer.

If a water sample has high levels of bacteria, analysis is done to estimate* the sources of pollution and work is planned in the area to improve water quality. When this work is significant and is expected to help improve bathing water quality, the four years of data for the annual classification starts from the time the work is completed and sample data from before the work are not included. This is called step change.

*Estimates are based on computer modelling, DNA analysis, and knowledge of the local area. The estimates can never be perfect because pollution to bathing waters changes from day to day depending on the season, the tides and the weather.