Brighton & Hove's beaches judged 'excellent' for water quality

The city’s beaches have been classified as ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency, with two of them winning Blue Flags from Keep Britain Tidy.

All four beaches tested by the Environment Agency – Hove, Brighton Central, Brighton Kemptown and Saltdean – passed with flying colours. The results are based on the past four years (2012-2015) water quality test results.

Blue flags were awarded for the city’s two main resort beaches of Hove and Brighton central. They are used to highlight coastal destinations that have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

Saltdean beach has been recognised with a Quality Coast Award for achieving the highest standards of beach management. 

Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the economic development and culture committee, said: “We’re looking forward to a great summer in Brighton and Hove. Having our bathing beaches described as excellent is the icing on the cake. Our seasonal lifeguards start on 28 May and we’re hoping for some warm Bank Holiday weather for all our visitors.

“There is a lot of improvement work going on at the moment but as the previous Bank Holiday showed people love coming here to enjoy the beach.”

Seasonal lifeguards support the regular seafront team and will be patrolling beaches from the Marina to Hove Lagoon.

During an average year Brighton & Hove’s lifeguards carry out more than 100 water rescues, and save many lives. They also administer first aid to around 250 beach goers, give safety advice to around 19,000 people and reunite hundreds of children with their families, proactively working with them to prevent incidents occurring and ensure their visit to the beach is a safe and happy one.