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The following bays around the coastline of Thanet have been designated as 'Bathing Waters' and are independently tested weekly from May to September by the Environment Agency:-
Quality Coast Award
The prestigious European Blue Flag will be flying at nine beaches in Thanet this Summer, with one of the beaches achieving Quality Coast Awards.
Minnis Bay, St. Mildred’s Bay and West Bay in Westgate, Westbrook Bay, Margate Main Sands, Botany Bay, Joss Bay and Stone Bay in Broadstairs and Ramsgate Main Sands have all been awarded the accolade. It only goes to those beaches which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.
The Blue Flag is awarded in 29 countries for resort beaches with high standards of environmental management. Beaches must also meet the guideline standards of bathing water under EC legislation. Blue Flag beach criteria include beach cleanliness, dog control, wheel chair access, provision of facilities and provision of life saving equipment. For more information please visit The Blue Flag campaign website
Viking Bay received the Quality Coast Award for the fourth year running. The Award rewards high beach management, safety and cleanliness, including clean sands, free of litter and dog fouling, good access with good facilities and water that complies with EC bathing water standards (mandatory).
Seawater at Thanet's beaches is tested independently for bacteria on a weekly basis by the Environment Agency. Sampling takes place at each of the designated bathing waters for 20 weeks from May to September each year. Water quality results are compared with standards laid down by the European Union (EU).
Where water quality consistently fails to meet EU standards, there may be an increased risk of contracting a minor infection.
For general information on Thanet's beaches see Tourism website.
Environmental Health
E-mail:
environmental.health@ thanet.gov.uk
Tel: 01843 577274