Warning over Hayling seafront unauthorised beach flags

The flags were placed along Hayling seafront

Unauthorised green flags could be confusing bathers about the quality of sea water, a council has warned.

Havant Borough Council said unauthorised flags had appeared at Hayling Island on the Hampshire coast.

"However well-meaning the intent behind the water quality flags, there is the potential for these to be confusing to the general public" it said.

It added people should only rely on water quality data from the Environment Agency or water companies.

A council statement said: "The unauthorised flags are green - following best practice, the council does not use green flags along Hayling seafront, as the public may perceive this as meaning the water is safe to enter (when it may not be)."

It said people should only use guidance on the RNLI safety signs at multiple sites along Hayling seafront, prior to making their decision to enter the sea.

The statement added that council policy was to remove any signage installed on its land without permission.

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