England’s beach water crisis: nearly 15% of coastal waters too polluted for safe swimming

A troubling new government report reveals that England’s beloved coastal waters are facing a serious pollution crisis, with nearly one in seven bathing spots now classified as contaminated and unsafe for swimmers.

The latest water quality assessments from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) show that 13% of England’s designated bathing waters are polluted, while 7% have reached such dangerous contamination levels that officials actively discourage swimming. Among the beaches receiving the worst “poor” rating are popular destinations that have long attracted families and tourists, including the iconic Bognor Regis, Scarborough’s South Bay, and Littlehaven Beach in South Shields.

This classification system serves as a crucial public health warning—when beaches receive a “poor” rating, it indicates that water quality has deteriorated to levels where swimming poses potential health risks to beachgoers. The contamination typically stems from a combination of sewage overflow, agricultural runoff, and urban pollution that flows into coastal waters.

The findings highlight a growing environmental challenge facing England’s coastline, where popular recreational areas are becoming increasingly compromised by pollution sources. For communities that depend on beach tourism and residents who rely on clean coastal waters for recreation, these ratings represent both an immediate health concern and a long-term threat to local economies and marine ecosystems. The data underscores the urgent need for stronger pollution controls and improved water management systems to protect England’s coastal heritage.