As the warmer months approach, many look forward to a refreshing day by the sea. However, not all beaches in Somerset are safe for swimming, with official advisories cautioning against entering the water at certain locations.
The Environment Agency’s Swimfo website offers an up-to-date resource where beachgoers can check the water quality status of designated bathing sites. This tool evaluates multiple locations, highlighting any that have been rated as ‘poor’ for water quality—the lowest classification assigned by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Bathing water classifications are based on regular sample testing from May to September, with ratings determined from data spanning four years. A ‘poor’ rating means the water quality falls below minimum safety standards, and swimming is not recommended.
In Somerset, Burnham Jetty North carries a permanent warning advising against bathing due to its persistently poor water quality. Additionally, five other beaches have current warnings where swimming is discouraged: Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor West, Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway, Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay, and Weston Main.
Elsewhere in the South West, beaches such as Instow and Ilfracombe Wildersmouth in North Devon, as well as Coastguards Beach at Erme Estuary, also have warnings advising against swimming.
Fortunately, only a small number of beaches in the region fall into the ‘poor’ category, meaning there are still many excellent options for safe swimming. In Somerset, Berrow (north of Unity Farm) and Clevedon Beach are rated ‘good’, while Brean Beach holds an ‘excellent’ rating.
Before planning your next seaside visit, it’s important to check current water quality advisories to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.