Bathing water warnings in the United Kingdom right now

🔴Do not swim — 43

An active pollution incident, or a standing restriction for the whole bathing season.

• Lancing, Beach GreenAdurAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Blackpool CentralBlackpoolAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Blackpool NorthBlackpoolAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Blackpool SouthBlackpoolAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• HatchmereCheshire West and ChesterSwimming at Hatchmere is reported as closed: Cheshire Wildlife Trust withdrew swimming access after a significant decline in wildlife around the lake, and toxic blue-green algae has been reported here. Check current signage at the reserve before any visit — this is a managed nature reserve, not a monitored bathing water, and its access rules can change.
• EastneyCity of PortsmouthAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Southsea EastCity of PortsmouthAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• East LooeCornwallAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Lyme Regis Front BeachDorsetAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Deal CastleDoverAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• BeerEast DevonAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Ladram BayEast DevonAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Bridlington South BeachEast Riding of YorkshireAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• FraisthorpeEast Riding of YorkshireAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• WilsthorpeEast Riding of YorkshireAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• DymchurchFolkestone and HytheAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• LittlestoneFolkestone and HytheAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Stokes BayGosportAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Hastings Pelham BeachHastingsAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• St LeonardsHastingsAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Hayling Beachlands CentralHavantAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Hayling Beachlands WestHavantAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Hayling EastokeHavantAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• RydeIsle of WightAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• HeachamKing's Lynn and West NorfolkAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Ham and Kingston, River ThamesKingston upon ThamesPollution incident: harmful algaeThe Environment Agency advises against bathing here — an open pollution incident (harmful algae) is affecting this water.Published by the Environment Agency (England) · In force since 17 August 2026
• White Park BayNorthern IrelandThe National Trust, which has cared for White Park Bay since 1938, states that the beach is unsafe for swimming because of dangerous rip currents that can carry even strong swimmers out from the shore. It is not a designated bathing water, so no water-quality monitoring applies.
• WellsNorth NorfolkAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Weston-super-Mare Sand BayNorth SomersetAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Weston-super-Mare Uphill SlipwayNorth SomersetAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Tynemouth CullercoatsNorth TynesideAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Blyth South BeachNorthumberlandPollution incident: oil or fuelThe Environment Agency advises against bathing here — an open pollution incident (oil or fuel) is affecting this water.Published by the Environment Agency (England) · In force since 11 August 2026
• Scarborough North BayNorth YorkshireAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• BexhillRotherAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Crosby BeachSeftonSefton Council states that swimming is not allowed at Crosby Beach at any time. The beach is permanently red-flagged and is not a bathing beach: it has quicksand, constantly shifting mudbanks and a fast-flowing tide. The council advises staying within 50 m of the sea wall. It is not a designated bathing water, so no water-quality monitoring applies.
• SouthportSeftonAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Dunster BeachSomersetAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Dawlish TownTeignbridgeAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Margate Fulsam RockThanetAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Frensham Great PondWaverleyPollution incident: harmful algaeThe Environment Agency advises against bathing here — an open pollution incident (harmful algae) is affecting this water.Published by the Environment Agency (England) · In force since 19 June 2026
• Pevensey BayWealdenAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• WorthingWorthingAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Worthing Beach HouseWorthingAdvice against bathingThe Environment Agency advises against bathing at this location.Published by the Environment Agency (England)

🟠Caution — 64

An elevated short-term pollution forecast, a recent poor sample, or a classification below Good. Not a prohibition, but worth reading before you go.

• Bognor Regis (Aldwick)ArunThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Bognor Regis EastArunThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Wharfe at Cromwheel, IlkleyBradfordThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Sheep's Green, River CamCambridgeThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Traeth Gwyn New QuayCeredigionThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• PorthluneyCornwallThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Derwent Water at Crow ParkCumberlandThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• HaveriggCumberlandThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Marine Lake, RhylDenbighshireThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• Rhyl CentralDenbighshireThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• Lyme Regis Church Cliff BeachDorsetThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• FolkestoneFolkestone and HytheThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• St Mary's Bay (Kent)Folkestone and HytheThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• St AnnesFyldeThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• St Annes NorthFyldeThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• CemaesIsle of AngleseyThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• Morecambe NorthLancasterThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Wharfe at Wilderness CarparkLeedsThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• River Avon at FordingbridgeNew ForestThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Combe MartinNorth DevonThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Weston MainNorth SomersetThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Nidd at the Lido, KnaresboroughNorth YorkshireThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Robin Hoods BayNorth YorkshireThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Scarborough South BayNorth YorkshireThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Wolvercote Mill StreamOxfordThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Wiseman's BridgePembrokeshireThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• The Warren, Hay On WyePowysThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• River Ribble at Edisford BridgeRibble ValleyThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Ayr (South Beach)ScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• BurntislandScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Dhoon BayScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Dunbar (East)ScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• EyemouthScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Fisherrow SandsScotlandThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• GirvanScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Heads of AyrScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Kinghorn (Harbour Beach)ScotlandThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Lower LargoScotlandThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• MaidensScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Portobello (Central)ScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Portobello (West)ScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• RockcliffeScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• SouthernessScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Yellow CraigScotlandThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• AinsdaleSeftonThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• River Severn in ShrewsburyShropshireThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• River Teme in LudlowShropshireThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Blue Anchor WestSomersetThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Minehead TerminusSomersetThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• River Frome at Farleigh HungerfordSomersetThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• River Tone at French Weir ParkSomersetThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Coastguards Beach, Erme EstuarySouth HamsThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Steamer Quay, Dart EstuarySouth HamsThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Stoke Gabriel, Dart EstuarySouth HamsThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Wallingford Beach, River ThamesSouth OxfordshireThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Littlehaven BeachSouth TynesideThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• River Severn at IronbridgeTelford and WrekinThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• West Bay, WestgateThanetThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Ogmore-By-Seathe Vale of GlamorganThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• Watch House Baythe Vale of GlamorganThis spot's annual water-quality classification is Poor. Bathing isn't recommended.Published by Natural Resources Wales
• Coniston Water, Boating CentreWestmorland and FurnessThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Walney Biggar BankWestmorland and FurnessThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• Walney West ShoreWestmorland and FurnessThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)
• West KirbyWirralThis spot is classified Sufficient — it meets the minimum bathing-water standard, but it's the lowest passing grade.Published by the Environment Agency (England)

Common questions

How many beaches in the United Kingdom are closed to swimming right now?

43 bathing waters are under an active do-not-swim notice, and 64 more carry a caution. Both figures come from the monitoring bodies' own published data and are rechecked hourly.

Why is a beach put under a do-not-swim notice?

Either an open pollution incident — a sewage discharge, an algal bloom, an oil spill — or a standing restriction, which is what happens when a water has been classified Poor and the agency advises against bathing for the whole season. Each entry on this page states which, in the agency's own words.

Does no warning mean a beach is safe?

No. A monitoring body publishes a warning when it knows of a problem, and bathing-water monitoring covers bacterial quality only. It says nothing about tides, rip currents, swell, water temperature or cold-water shock, which are what most often cause harm. Some places are not monitored at all, and one agency here publishes no incident feed, so its waters can never appear on this list however bad the water is.

Who issues these warnings?

the Environment Agency (England), Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. This site relays what they publish and does not assess any location itself.