This week we were made aware of changes that needed to be made in order to ensure our designated Blue Flag beaches in Torbay meet the Blue Flag Award criteria.

We would like to clarify that these changes relate to the addition of zoning for different types of water users, including swimmers, paddle craft, motor craft, and other recreational activities.

Following conversations with Keep Britain Tidy, the environmental charity that presents Blue Flag awards annually to England’s best beaches, on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education, we are now working hard to implement the necessary changes on our beaches, including the addition of new signage for water users. 

We would like to reassure residents and visitors that our priority is to maintain a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and enjoyable beach environment and that we will continue to work alongside Keep Britain Tidy to ensure all our designated beaches meet the expectations of the Blue Flag award.

New zoning signage has been placed at:

• Oddicombe beach

• Meadfoot beach

• Torre Abbey Sands

• Preston Sands

• Broadsands beach

• Breakwater beach