Sandown Blue Flag award scuppered over E. coli concerns

The Blue Flag award is given when beaches meet a series of environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria

A coastal town has missed out on securing an internationally prestigious Blue Flag award after E. coli water quality issues were raised.

The Environment Agency (EA) recently lowered the sea water quality rating at Sandown beach on the Isle of Wight from excellent to good.

It followed samples taken in the 2023 bathing season that showed an increase in the bacteria, compared to 2022.

It could be caused by discharges from nearby storm overflows, the EA said.

But it added that when heavy rainfall overwhelmed the sewerage system, the outfalls were designed to ensure bathing water compliance would not be affected.

Popular with tourists and surfers, Sandown is described as a traditional "bucket and spade" holiday beach by tourism boards

According to Swimfo, the Environment Agency's guide to bathing water, Sandown beach had been rated excellent in 2022, 2021 and 2019 - with a year missed due to the Covid pandemic.

The government body collects the samples at different times from May to September.

Water is taken from 30cm (11.8 inches) below the surface and there is no more than 31 days between two samples.

Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot confirmed the council had been advised it would not secure the Blue Flag award this year, so it did not submit an application.

It would still qualify for other criteria needed to meet the Blue Flag status - like public toilet provision and lifeguard supervision - but was told it would fail overall.

The town will apply again for the award next year if the water quality has improved.

Speaking at a Sandown Town Council meeting earlier this week, Mr Lightfoot said it did not mean the water quality was bad.

Beaches at Whitecliff Bay and Yaverland have retained an excellent bathing water status.

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