The standard of the bathing waters at Morecambe’s beaches have been revealed in the latest ratings by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency has today (November 25) published the classification for 449 designated bathing sites in England, including Morecambe North and South.
England’s bathing waters each year are classed as either ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Sufficient’ or ‘Poor’, based on four years of monitoring data, by the Environment Agency which monitors for indicators of pollution known to be associated with risks to bathers’ health, specifically E. coli and intestinal enterococci.
Morecambe South maintains its ‘Good’ rating from 2024. The bathing water is described as ‘gently sloping and with small pebbles, with a strip of beach exposed throughout the tidal cycle except during a spring tide. Groynes stretch for several kilometres up and down the coastline on either side of the bathing water.’
Morecambe North is rated as ‘Sufficient’, as it was in 2024, meaning it meets minimum standards. The water is described as ‘at the northern end of the town's promenade which has heavy sea defences for most of its length. The bathing water beach is split into several smaller beaches by large groynes.’
Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: ‘’Bathing water quality in England has improved significantly over recent decades, and this year’s results show the continued impact of strong regulation, investment and partnership working.
‘’But we know there is more to do, and the new bathing water reforms will strengthen the way these much-loved places are managed.
‘’The Environment Agency is working closely with Defra to ensure these changes are implemented effectively whilst our teams continue to work with water companies, farmers, councils and local groups to tackle all sources of pollution and support continued progress across sites.’’
The Environment Agency works closely with local partners at priority sites to tackle all factors influencing water quality.
Alongside the annual classifications, the government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force on November 21. These reforms are designed to change the ‘one size fits all’ approach and more closely reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: ‘’Our bathing waters are at the heart of so many communities, and these reforms will help people experience the benefits of our beautiful waters and connect with nature.
‘’By ending automatic de-designation and bringing in more flexibility to when waters are monitored, we’re creating a system that reflects how people actually use their local rivers, lakes and beaches.’’
Defra and the Environment Agency are encouraging people to use Swimfo, the EA’s online service providing the latest information on bathing water quality and incidents, helping the public make informed decisions about where and when to swim.
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