Resources

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

WOOP! Classroom Session

Download this teacher led Wipe Out Ocean Plastic session for classes of teenagers to learn about the impact of wet wipes, sanitary products and PPE litter on marine environments and wildlife together.

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WOOP! Home School Session

Download this Wipe Out Ocean Plastic session designed for teenagers to independently learn about the impact of wet wipes, sanitary products and PPE litter on marine environments and wildlife.

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Education Pack

Download the full LOVEmyBEACH Education Pack complete with activities, presentations and notes.

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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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Flush Fighters

Fun activities for Key Stage 1 and 2 children to learn how what they flush (and don't flush) down the toilet helps them to LOVEmyBEACH. Download the full LOVEmyBEACH education pack here.

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Fat Trappers

Fun activities for Key Stage 1 and 2 children to learn how stopping fat going down the sink helps them to LOVEmyBEACH. Download the full LOVEmyBEACH education pack here.

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Litter Binners

Fun activities for Key Stage 1 and 2 children to learn the importance of putting litter in the right place. Download the full LOVEmyBEACH education pack here

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Drain Defenders

Fun activities for children Key Stage 1 and 2 to look after the drains and love the beach. Download the full LOVEmyBEACH education pack here

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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.