With summer on the way, millions of people across the UK will be heading to the coast looking for a simple beach day.
However, a newly highlighted list of 20 locations published by Locals Insider suggests that not every seaside spot is as safe for swimming as it looks. These beaches have all been given the lowest possible water quality rating based on official monitoring, meaning there are concerns about pollution levels in the water. You can still visit them, but getting in the sea is where the risks start to increase.
What this list is actually based on
The beaches featured here haven’t been picked at random. They come from official Environment Agency classifications, which test water regularly for bacteria linked to sewage and other forms of pollution. Each beach is graded across categories, and the ones on this list have been marked as “poor.” That’s the lowest rating available, and it triggers advice against swimming.
It’s got nothing to do with how the beach looks on the surface. The issue is what’s in the water, not what’s on the sand.
Why water quality drops at certain beaches
The biggest factor behind these ratings is sewage and run-off entering the sea. This can happen when water systems are under pressure, particularly after heavy rainfall. In those conditions, excess water can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to discharges into rivers and coastal areas. That’s when bacteria levels can rise quickly, even if the water still looks clean.
Urban areas, older infrastructure, and high tourist demand can all make this more likely, which is why some of these beaches appear on the list more often than others.
What “poor” actually means for swimmers
A “poor” rating doesn’t mean the beach is closed, but it does mean swimming isn’t recommended. The concern is exposure to bacteria that can cause stomach issues, skin infections, or other illnesses. For most people, a quick paddle might not lead to problems, but the risk is high enough that official advice is to avoid entering the water altogether. This is especially important for children, older adults, or anyone with a weaker immune system.
Why this isn’t just a one-off list
These kinds of warnings appear most years, especially ahead of summer, when beach use increases. Some locations move in and out of the lowest category depending on weather conditions and recent testing. That means a beach on this list now could improve later in the season, while others might drop in quality after heavy rainfall or system pressure.
It’s a moving picture rather than a fixed one, which is why regular monitoring is so important.
Full list of UK beaches flagged this summer
Blackpool South (Lancashire)
Fleetwood (Lancashire)
Morecambe South (Lancashire)
Southport (Merseyside)
West Kirby (Merseyside)
Scarborough South Bay (North Yorkshire)
Bridlington South (East Yorkshire)
Cleethorpes (Lincolnshire)
Skegness (Lincolnshire)
Hunstanton (Norfolk)
Great Yarmouth South (Norfolk)
Clacton (Essex)
Southend (Essex)
Margate (Kent)
Ramsgate (Kent)
Bognor Regis (West Sussex)
Worthing (West Sussex)
Eastbourne (East Sussex)
Torbay (Devon)
Weston-super-Mare (Somerset)
How to check water quality before you visit
If you’re planning a trip to the coast, it’s worth checking water quality updates before you go. There are official tools that provide near real-time data, including alerts for pollution or recent sewage discharges. This can help you make a quick decision on whether it’s safe to swim, or whether it’s better to choose another nearby beach. It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference to your day.
The bigger issue behind the warnings
This list also taps into a wider conversation about water quality in the UK. Environmental groups have been raising concerns for years about sewage overflows and the impact they have on rivers and coastal areas. While improvements have been made in some places, others continue to struggle, particularly during periods of heavy rain or increased demand. It’s part of a larger issue that’s still being worked through.
What this means for your summer plans.
The key takeaway isn’t to avoid the seaside altogether. The UK still has plenty of beaches with good or excellent water quality. What this list does is highlight where a bit more caution is needed, especially if swimming is part of your plan. With a bit of awareness and a quick check before you go, it’s still easy to find a great beach day without the risks that come with these flagged locations.
