In 2012 79 beaches met EU standards and were given the prestigious Blue Flag award which recognises their high standards and cleanliness of water. In 2013 the guidelines have been made far tougher which has seen the overall number drop to just 55. The great news is that Hayling is still hanging in there and retains its coveted Blue Flag status for the year ahead.
Under new criteria laid down by the EU Bathing Waters Directive towns with beaches have to display excellent standards to be in with a chance of securing Blue Flags. Beaches also have to advise users where real time information can be obtained regarding discharges from sewage overflows which can temporarily affect water quality.
The Isle of Wight gained the most Blue Flags and Seaside Awards which highlights Hampshire overall as having a brilliant track record of keeping its beaches pollution free.
Meanwhile West Beachlands was assessed during Keep Britain Tidys (the organisation that runs the awards) lengthy assessment period and the island can now once again proudly fly its highly regarded Blue Flag.
With many water users frequenting Hayling its tourist trade should feel comforted that Blue Flag recognition will continue to draw people from far and wide who wish to make use of the clean waters the island has to offer in 2013.
Keep Britain Tidy operations manager Richard McIlwain commented: Keep Britain Tidy campaigns to improve the quality of our local environment and we know that communities up and down the country love their beaches and understand what an asset they are for their towns economies.
Holidaymakers and day trippers want to visit clean safe beaches and the sight of the Blue Flag or Seaside Award flying gives them the reassurance that they will.
For a full list of all Blue Flag beaches in the UK head over to the BBC News site http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-22614601
