April 24, 2005
Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean beaches win top Seaside Awards
Beaches at Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean have all received the 2005 EnCams Seaside Award, putting them among the top coastal resorts in the country.
The award is only given to beaches that comply with current legislation, including the regular testing of bathing water, and the provision of facilities for visitors.
Some 29 checks are made against EnCams criteria, as outlined at the bottom of this page. Evidence is also required that visitors are actively being encouraged to visit and that full facilities are available for them.
Graham Newing, Sedgemoor District Council’s Resort Officer, said: “Once again Sedgemoor’s beaches have achieved the high standards needed to obtain the Seaside Awards for EnCams.”
He added: “The beaches shall be flying the prestigious EnCams flags, showing that our beaches are amongst the top in the country. My team of beach wardens and summer lifeguards all help to contribute to this award and I am very pleased that we have achieved it.”
Winning the award means Burnham, Berrow and Brean beaches can all fuly the distinctive yellow and blue Seaside Award flag. They will also be listed in the tourist guides about
Last year, Burnham’s beach was officially named one of the UK’s top beaches for safety, cleanliness, water quality and facilities. It was awarded fifth place in a survey of 170 beaches across the country carried out by the Keep Britain Tidy Group.
SEASIDE AWARDS CRITERIA:
Management
Safe for all including disabled visitors
No unauthorised vehicles, camping or dumping
Parking with suitable spaces for disabled visitors
Cleaned to EPA (Environmental Protection Act part 1) standards
Safety – Bathing Safety
Supervision
Daily between 10.00 and 18.00
First Aid
Provided between 10.00 and 18.00
Emergency plans and warning of pollution
Current water quality, water quality history, award criteria, map of award are including car parks, sampling points and facilities, physically defined award area, bye-laws and codes of conduct, beach operator and award administration contact details, environmental initiatives and safety information including attendance times and potential hazards.
Environmental Care –
Protect special sites and rare species and promote environmental initiatives.
RELATED LINKS:
Burnham, Berrow and Brean beach guide
2004: Burnham Beach named 5th best beach in Britain
ENCAMS Seaside Awards Web site
Burnham-On-Sea Discussion Forums
