Both the Europe Blue Flag Organisation , the Marine Conservation Society demand strict standards for their water quality of an award beach.

Blue Flags and Marine Conservation Society Awards are given to beaches where 80-90% of at least 20 water samples taken during the summer season the previous year comply with international standards for safe bathing water.

Encams Seaside Awards for resort beaches set a slightly lower level but 95% of samples taken must comply.

In addition there must be no gross pollution by sewage or other waste including litter or industrial or urban discharge between high and low water.