Designated Bathing Waters in the Thanet Area
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:-
1. Minnis Bay
2. West Bay
3. St Mildred's Bay
4. Westbrook Bay
5. Margate Bay
6. Fulsam Rock
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7. Walpole Bay
8. Botany Bay
9. Joss Bay
10. Broadstairs, East Cliff
11. Viking Bay
12. Ramsgate Sands
13. Ramsgate, Western Undercliff |
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European Blue Flag Award |
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Quality Coast Award
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Quality Coast Awards - 2009
Westbrook Bay, Margate Main Sands and Stone Bay have this year
been awarded Quality Coast Awards, along with Viking Bay, which
receives the award for the third 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).
European Blue Flag Awards - 2009
The prestigious European Blue Flag will be flying at seven
of the district's beaches in Thanet this Summer, with four of the
beaches achieving Quality Coast Awards.
Minnis Bay, St. Mildred’s Bay and West Bay in Westgate, Walpole
Bay in Margate, Botany Bay and Joss 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 European 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
Sea Water Quality Testing
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.
Sea Water Quality Testing
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Weekly 2009 results
Overall annual 1993-2008 results
For general information on Thanet's beaches see Tourism
website.