COPELAND’S four managed beaches have once again been recognised for their clean, safe swimming water.
In DEFRA’s annual figures, Silecroft and St Bees were found to have ‘excellent’ water quality, Seascale has ‘good’ and Haverigg’s is ‘sufficient.’
The results mean locals and visitors to these picturesque areas can enjoy swimming and other activities in confidence.
The Environment Agency tests water at specific sites every week from May to September, to ensure the water is safe and clean for swimming and other activities.
These results lead to a rating of excellent, good, sufficient or poor from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The annual rating is based on an average over four years.
Copeland’s Chief Executive, Pat Graham, said: “It is great news that we have maintained these levels of cleanliness at our managed beaches.
“I hope it will encourage people to come and enjoy our beaches – even in winter, they provide fresh air, open space and spectacular views.
“Maintaining the highest-possible level of water cleanliness for St Bees and Silecroft is fantastic, and is part of our growing attractiveness to tourists. This stunning coastline is one of Cumbria’s hidden gems and we are proud to celebrate it.”
More information about designated bathing waters and how they are tested can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bathing-waters.
