Four beaches becoming designated bathing waters

Four Island beaches will become designated bathing waters from next summer.

Port St Mary, Port Erin, Ramsey South and Douglas beaches will take on the status on the start of the new bathing season on May 1, 2021, as part of the Isle of Man introducing Europe's highest water quality standards.

As a result, officials say residents can expect to see some changes along the coastlines including new signs which will include information about the water quality in all four areas.

It comes after Tynwald agreed a new strategy in December 2019 to adopt the 2006 EU Water Bathing Directive.

The 2006 Directive requires stringent testing for bacteria to be undertaken weekly to monitor the water quality for swimmers with results published online.

Following the decision local authorities were consulted before being invited to apply for their beaches to be designated - government received eight applications, four of which were approved.

Environment, Food & Agriculture Minister, Geoffrey Boot MHK, says: "The designations empower bathers to make informed decisions on when and where to swim.

"The quality of bathing waters has improved significantly in recent years, largely through a programme to improve sewerage infrastructure and I am delighted to implement the approved standards before our July 2021 target."

Meanwhile, government and Manx Utilities will work with the other applicants to help their beaches meet the standards for future designation.