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.

Make a reusable sanitary pad

Download these instructions & template to make your own reusable sanitary pad and help Wipe Out Ocean Plastic, by reducing use of disposable products.

Download

Advice for motorhome users

Download this leaflet to find out how to wave goodbye to causing water pollution when using motorhomes and campervans.

Download

Coastal Pollution Leaflet

Download our handy leaflet to help you identify different types of pollution you might spot on the coast and find out where to report them in order to help our beaches, seas and marine life.

Download

LOVEmyBEACH leaflet

Download our handy leaflet which is packed with top tips on how to look after the beach whilst there and by taking actions at home.

Download

Cooking fats poster

Print off this free poster and display it in your kitchen/school/work place to remind everyone to bin their used cooking oil & fats rather than pouring them down the sink #binit4beaches

Download

Yellow Fish Guidance

Guidance on how to conduct your own Yellow Fish campaign, marking surface water drains to let people know that 'only rain goes down the drain'.

Download

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.

Download

LOVEmyBEACH Volunteer Ambassador

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

Download

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!

Download

1 2 >

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.