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Four Island beaches designated bathing waters

Tuesday, 15 December 2020

Port St Mary

Four beaches will become designated bathing waters next summer as the Isle of Man introduces Europe’s highest water quality standards. 

In December 2019, Tynwald agreed a strategy for the adoption of the 2006 EU Bathing Water Directive, having already agreed the previous 1976 directive was inadequate. 

Following the decision local authorities were consulted before being invited to apply for their beaches to be designated. The Isle of Man Government received eight applications, of which four were approved for the next bathing season that begins on 1 May 2021.

 

It means beach goers in Port St Mary, Port Erin, Ramsey South and Douglas will notice some changes, including new signage, when the bathing season officially opens on 1 May 2021. 

Under the updated standards the quality of bathing water is rated as poor, sufficient, good or excellent for swimming with the four successful beaches all classed as good or excellent. 

The classification will be clearly displayed on new signage at each beach and on the Government’s website, along with a unique bathing water profile including further information about its catchment area. 

The 2006 Directive requires stringent testing for bacteria to be undertaken weekly to monitor the water quality for swimmers with results published online. 

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘The designations empower bathers to make informed decisions on when and where to swim.’ 

‘The higher standards bring us in line with neighbouring countries and protect public health while further enhancing the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere pledge to keep the Isle of Man a special place to live, work and visit.’ 

‘The quality of bathing waters has improved significantly in recent years, largely through a programme to improve sewerage infrastructure and I am delighted to implement the approved standards before our July 2021 target’. 

The Government and Manx Utilities will work with the other applicants to help their beaches reach the standards required for future designation.

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