A ‘bathing water’ is an area of beach where many people are expected to swim or paddle.
The Fylde borough has two designated bathing waters; one at St Annes Pier and the second at St Annes North, by the Coastguard Station.
It is important we keep an eye on the bacteria levels in the bathing water areas to ensure we know how clean and safe the water is for bathers.
The acceptable levels of bacteria are regulated under the European Water Directive, and water quality at designated bathing water sites in England is assessed by the Environment Agency (EA).
The EA provides an annual classification of water quality, but daily fluctuations in water quality can and do occur.
From May to September, weekly assessments measure current water quality, and occasionally pollution risk forecasts (PRFs) are issued. These occur when factors such as the weather or tide may have a temporary effect on the bathing water quality, and lets bathers know when a temporary reduction in water quality is likely, so you can make an informed decision before deciding whether to bathe on a given day.
You can check the bathing water quality at St Annes beaches, as well as over 400 beaches across the UK here: Bathing water quality (data.gov.uk)
The current bathing water quality classification (2021) for St Annes Pier is ‘good’, whilst St Annes North is ‘sufficient’.
We continue to work closely with our partners at both the Environment Agency and United Utilities to continuously improve the water quality status in Fylde, and you can find out more information regarding both bathing waters by visiting Bathing water quality (data.gov.uk)
For the most up-to-date tide times at St Annes beach, please click here.
