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The Environment Agency has warned that a record number of England’s beaches are at risk of failing to meet EU water quality standards this year.
It suggests new EU regulations will make it harder for beaches to attain the top “excellent” rating.
More than 99% of English beaches passed last year’s tests, but this is forecast to drop by 6%, with the water of 25 beaches possibly classed as “poor”.
Among those at risk are beaches in Margate, Ilfracombe and Blackpool (pictured), the BBC reported.
Others at risk are in Lancing, Lyme Regis and Fleetwood.
The Environment Agency will take water samples from 400 locations across England each week until the end of September. The results will be available on a new website.
Sites will have to display signs at all bathing areas by the end of the summer showing if the standards have been passed and whether or not people should swim.
Ed Mitchell, executive director of environment and business at the Environment Agency, said: “Good bathing water is essential for people’s health, local tourism and economic growth, and these new higher standards for bathing water will further protect the public.”