Canvey Island has beautiful beaches. Currently, no testing is conducted or water quality information collected. With more news reports of sewage being dumped in our rivers and seas, beach users, swimmers and wildlife needs greater protection from water borne illnesses. 

Designated Bathing Status grants protection to beach users and the environment because the Environment Agency (E.A) tests weekly for the most common water borne illnesses, E.Coli and Intestinal Enterococci. If high test results are detected the E.A will issue a warning, as well as providing a pollution risk forecast. This will offer greater protection to beach users and swimmers as they can easily access the information and make an informed decision based on the E.A results.

Gaining Designed Bathing Status is the first step towards applying for a Blue Flag. Blue Flag status provides enhanced protection to the environment and helps to support tourism. 

Please sign this petition so that Castle Point Council begins the process of applying for Designated Bathing Status this summer. We urge you to do this for Canvey, beach users and our environment.