Whatever time of year it is, a visit to the beach is always an escape . Now we are in summer, even a Scottish summer, many will be enjoying a day (or more) at the beach, including a swim in the sea.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) monitors Scotland’s bathing waters. Of the 85 bathing waters sampled by (SEPA) in 2021, 99% are classified as sufficient or better for 2022. Thirty two (38%) are rated as ‘excellent’. 

Some of us are lucky to have lived nearly their whole lives within walking distance of a beach. For others, it becomes, a much long expected treat to go to one.

Figures from Visit Scotland show that in 2019 38% of international visitors visited a beach, during their visit. Domestic tourism resulted in 2.3 million overnight trips to seaside and coastal locations and generated £448m of expenditure for the Scottish economy. 

The bathing water season in Scotland runs from 1st of June to 15th of September and during that time SEPA will continue to take samples

Click on this link to check up on the water sampling at beaches you wish to visit. Bathing Waters

Safety

 It is also important to keep safe in and around water click on these links to find out more:  RLNI and Water Safety Scotland

Sadly the latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID) indicate that in Scotland there was an increase in water-related fatalities in 2021. There were 58 accidental water-related fatalities in Scotland in 2021.

Water Safety Scotland is urging people to be safe and follow their three-part Water Safety Code:

• Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
• Stay Together, Stay Close
• In an Emergency, Call 999

Click on this link for Water Safety Education Resources

Scotland’s Beach Awards are administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful. The awards celebrate clean, well managed and sustainable beaches.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said:

‘We are delighted with the results of My Beach Your Beach; working together, partners, communities and individuals have really raised awareness of bathing water quality, encouraging everyone to play their part in helping to protect the sand and sea.

“My Beach Your Beach encourages more people to engage in simple actions leading to better bathing water quality. Waste from animals or litter is not just unsightly, it can have a negative impact on the environment. So, visitors are encouraged to take litter home, clean up after their dogs and avoid feeding the gulls, ensuring a good beach experience for everyone who visits.”  

Find out more at keepscotlandbeautiful.org/

We’ve got beaches in mind

Man it’s been too much time

Not a care in the world is where I wanna be

With the surfers, sand, and the sea

Beaches in my mind, The Beach Boys