Yn anffodus nid yw’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg.
Os ydych yn dymuno trafod y mater yn Gymraeg, ffoniwch Wynne Williams ar 01286 674081
SEASIDE AWARD RESORT BEACH CRITERIA
A 'resort beach' is one, which actively encourages visitors. It would normally be adjacent to, or within easy and reasonable access of the urban community with developed facilities providing varied recreational opportunities. It would typically include all, or some, of the following: a café or restaurant, shop, toilets, public transport, supervision, first aid, public telephone. Where the award refers to a section of a long beach, with no natural divisions, the beach would not, normally, be expected to be less than 500 metres long and would include one bathing water sampling point, monitored under the Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC. The SEASIDE AWARD RESORT will be given to beaches that have bathing water of the mandatory standard (Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC) and fulfil 30 land-based criteria.
WATER QUALITY
1. To be eligible for entry a beach must have attained at least the mandatory standard of the Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC. The results of the current season’s monitoring and the standards of at least the previous three years (where available) must be posted at all Award beaches. (I)
The bathing water does not necessarily have to be identified as a site under the bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC but it must be sampled to the same standards.
2. Waste water discharge points and riverine inputs within one mile of the beach/water must be highlighted to KWT and the public. (I) The presence of a discharge point does not necessarily eliminate the beach from consideration, but they should be marked on a map. Members of the public should be notified by marking on a map so that they can make an informed decision on whether to enter the water or not.
BEACH AND INTERTIDAL AREA
2. There should be no gross pollution by sewage related or other waste matter including litter and no discharge of industrial or urban waste. (I)
4. No algal or other vegetation materials accumulating or decaying (I)
Algal vegetation is generally accepted to refer to seaweed. Whilst small amounts of seaweed are encouraged as a vital part of the beach ecology it should not be allowed to accumulate on resort beaches and become a hazard to the public.
5. No oil pollution. (I)
SAFETY
6. A risk assessment should be carried out and appropriate control measure put in place either lifeguards and/or adequate lifesaving equipment. (I)
A risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which sets out the responsibilities employers have towards themselves, employees and members of the public. The Act states that employers must ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that employees and members of the public are not put at risk. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999, also set out in detail what employers must do to manage health and safety. The Regulations require an employer to make a 'suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking'. So the duty to carry out risk assessments extends to visitors as well as to employees. Carrying out a risk assessment may help with identifying the need for lifeguards on site and the type and location of appropriate public rescue equipment for your beach. A guide is due to be published in early 2007 giving guidelines on appropriate equipment. Appropriately qualified personnel should conduct any risk assessment and normal operating procedures should be written to address any identified risks.
7. If lifeguards are provided the times and area patrolled should be clearly defined and marked. (I)
Safety guidelines should conform to the recommendations in SOBB i.e. Lifeguards should hold appropriate qualifications from an appropriate and recognised training and assessment agent and tested by qualified, independent assessors. It is recommended that lifeguard uniforms conform to the officially recognised red/yellow standard. At least 2 people within easy access of the foreshore need qualified lifeguard training and should be carrying out a surveillance plan from a fixed point. Bathing areas patrolled by lifeguards should be explicit. The area should be defined both on the map at the information point and physically on the beach with markers or flags. It is recommended that the nationally recognised flag zoning system be used:
• red = danger
• red/yellow = lifeguard patrolled areas
• black/white = surfing only
The complementary ‘traffic light’ flag system to warn of the condition of the sea is no longer recommended in the UK. Where there are no lifeguards the public should be informed about other safety provisions, including rescue equipment, supervision, area covered and out-ofseason arrangements.
8. Clearly sign-posted First Aid facilities must be available between 10.00am and 6.00pm on the seafront. (If facilities are available at other times these should clearly be stated). (I)
First Aiders should hold appropriate qualifications. Alternative, out-of season arrangements should also be displayed. These facilities could be with in a local leisure pool, a hotel, a local authority building. It may also be that volunteer First Aiders could be invited to patrol the beach during high season at weekends.
9. Beach supervision throughout the summer season through attendant lifeguards, first aid officer, beach officer or a combination. (I)
All beach personnel should be readily identifiable, preferably with a distinctive uniform, and conversant, through appropriate training, with the following:
- Supervision duties and requirements
- Potential local hazards and their location, access points, zones, public rescue equipment
- Preventative strategies including details of flag systems, safety information provision, seasonal /daily variations in levels of provision
- Emergency provision including public rescue equipment, telephones
- Action plan in case of emergency
- First aid & vehicular access points
- Seaside Award criteria
Where the lifeguard takes on the supervisory role the over-seeing of the beach, this should not detract from the specific responsibilities of a lifeguard. A beach officer/supervisor should also be visible, mobile and able to summon appropriate aid, monitor pollution, dog control and provide information for the public.
An office, or base, for the supervisor should be easily identifiable and ideally should contain, at least, the following equipment:
- Incident record book and/or diary
- Copy of the emergency accident plan
- Copy of the normal operating procedure
- Loud hailer
- Black / white board & pen to display up-to-date information e.g. sea temperatures information about local environmental initiatives.
- Seaside Award & Blue Flag information and leaflets
- Emergency contact numbers
- Telephone / radio
10. A record should be kept of all emergency incidents and KWT notified of any significant incidents. These records should be available for inspection on request. (I)
These records are already required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The RLSS UK have produced an incident report form: we would recommend its use. Ideally, appropriate personnel should conduct a risk assessment: contact RLSS for details. www.rlss.org.uk
MANAGEMENT
11. The beach must be actively managed and promoted by the owners (local authority or private) as a tourist resort. (I)
The official bathing season starts on 20 May and continues until 15 September. If the beach is managed for a different period this should be stated clearly. If the management of the beach differs radically from these guidelines within the stated period, information should be erected to inform the public when all facilities will be in operation. The flag should not be flown and KWT should be informed.
12. Local emergency plans to cope with pollution incidents. (I)
Where there is a written emergency procedure it should be submitted with theapplication. The public should be informed of pollution or potential danger by the posting of information at the Information Point and through the media. In order to protect the integrity of the Awards and beach managing authority it is crucial that the flag be removed if there is any infringement of the criteria e.g. sewage pollution. A sign should be erected to explain the absence of the flag. KWT should be notified immediately of any serious pollution incident or drowning.
13. Easy and safe access to the beach for all including disabled people where this is possible. (G)
Ramps should be provided where possible. Where promenade edges are higher than two metres above the beach, particularly where the substance of the beach is of rocks, pebbles or metal, a barrier should be erected to prevent accidental falls. It is appreciated that this is a long-term and expensive exercise and in the first instance warning signs and/or yellow lines highlighting the edge should be introduced.
14. Prohibition of unauthorised driving and dumping (G)
Where there are no physical barriers preventing access to the beach by vehicles there should be a bye-law prohibiting unauthorised driving, dumping or camping, about which there should be information displayed. Where there is parking on the beach it should be clearly identified and restricted - see criterion no 22
15. Manage the conflicting and incompatible needs of different users e.g. zoning for swimmers, surfers, windsurfers, motorized craft and nature conservation (G)
Swimmers should be protected from all sea craft. Distinctions should be made between motorised craft e.g. personal water craft users, water skiers, power craft users and should be separated from paddle or sail craft. Zoning planning should be enforced by clear signage at information points, entry points to access channels, explicit reference in literature and by buoyed lanes.
16. Dogs must be under ‘proper control’ in the award area throughout the summer season. (I)
The two important points, with relevance to dogs and beaches are:
- Keep your dog on a short lead (a short lead is taken to be two metres) or under close control (under close control means that the dog is able to respond to your commands and is kept close at heel) in a number of other places; and
- Remove any faeces left by your dog in a public open space. Where there is an enforced bye-law banning dogs from the Award this can be upheld until it is reviewed under the Land Reform Act. It is recommended that an area be provided for the public to exercise dogs and this should be clearly delineated. All other animal access and activities must be controlled under all circumstances e.g. donkey/horse riding.
17. Dog refuse bins must be available along the seafront where all dogs should be kept under ‘proper control’ at all times. (I)
'Seafront' refers to the immediate area adjoining the beach e.g. promenade, adjoining landward section of the beach, car park. The bins provided must be clearly marked for the purpose and appropriate arrangements must be made to dispose of dog refuse.
18. A clearly marked and protected source of drinking water. (I) The source of fresh drinking water can be within the toilet facilities block or on the seafront but must be protected from birds or animals. This can be in the form of a drinking fountain.
19. Public telephones, which must be checked daily, within easy access (5 minutes walk) from any point of the award beach. (I)
An emergency telephone alone is not sufficient. It should be clearly signed and accessible to the public at all times. A telephone should also be accessible to wheelchair users.
20. Adequate toilet facilities, cleaned and maintained, including facilities for disabled people. (I)The number of toilet facilities available must take into consideration the maximum number of visitors expected at the beach at any one time. Access to facilities for disabled people may be restricted by the use of a RADAR key. The supervisor would be expected to hold such a key. Access to toilet facilities must be safe with no hindrance or interference from vehicular traffic.
21. All buildings and equipment must be maintained to a high standard and, where practicable, there must be safe confinement of all construction work which must not detract from the enjoyment of the beach user. (I)
Any construction work or hazardous derelict structures should be enclosed to prevent ready access by the public, particularly small children.
22. Adequate access and parking facilities with marked spaces and suitable access for disabled people. Where it is necessary to park on the beach it must be safe and clearly marked and defined. (G)
There should be safe access to the beach and resort facilities from the car park with controlled traffic flow on any intervening roads. The car park surface must be in good order, preferably a metalled finish. Reserved spaces for disabled person's parking must be clearly marked and give easy access to the resort facilities. Where it is absolutely necessary to park on the beach it must be safe, controlled, clearly marked and defined. Is sustainable transport promoted in any way? Bus routes and train times etc should be promoted where possible and if beaches are close to cycle routes they should also be promoted.
CLEANSING
23. Adequate cleansing of the beach (I)
Litter should not be allowed to accumulate or be unsightly and must comply with the Environmental Protection Act, 1990 (ref. Code of Practice on Litter & Refuse).
24. Appropriate litter bins in adequate numbers, properly secured and regularly maintained, emptied at least daily. (I) Litter bins should be covered and of a suitable character and appearance. 25 metres is the recommended minimum interval between receptacles although numbers may vary according to the bin capacity, numbers of users and the effect of the tide on the area of the beach. When choosing and locating bins the following points should be considered:
- Bin capacity
- Type & source of litter
- Volume of pedestrian traffic
- Servicing methods and intervals
- Local environment e.g. potential strong winds, high tides, scavenging animals
- Accessibility e.g. height surface
For further advice contact Keep Wales Tidy
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
25. Prompt public warning if the beach or part thereof has, or is expected to, become grossly polluted or unsafe. (I)
This requirement includes the discharge of storm water or sewage contamination. Contingency plans must be devised to broadcast warnings to the public, both through the media and through the provision of signs on the beach and at Tourist Information Centres and civic offices.
26. Evidence that the interests of protected sites and rare or protected species have been addressed with close liaison with recognised local conservation organisations. (I)
Some sites may prove environmentally delicate and require particular management techniques in which case evidence must be provided to show that recognised local conservation organisations have been approached for advice and problems addressed. It may be that the fragility of certain environments will preclude them from this sort of award on the grounds that greater visitor numbers would endanger wildlife or habitats.
27. Laws covering beach use and appropriate codes of conduct easily available to the public (including in Tourist Information Centres and civic offices). (I)
28. An Information Point must be present. (I) It must have:
• Telephone numbers for the nearest hospital, surgery or first aid point
• Telephone number for the nearest police
• Telephone number for the coastguard
• Information about local hazards where applicable
• Contact number & address for the local authority / beach guardian
• Contact details for Keep Wales Tidy
• Seaside Award Criteria
• Seaside Award Certificate (current)
• Bathing Water Quality Poster with updated information including the results of, at least, the previous three years’ monitoring
29. A map must be present. (I) It must show:
• The appropriate area of the beach (especially if award section is part of larger beach)
• Water quality sampling point
• Car / bike parks
• Disabled parking (where applicable)
• Nearest public telephone
• Information points
• Lifesaving equipment
• Position of lifeguards (where applicable)
• Location of first aid kit/facilities
• Larger litter bins & recycling facilities (where applicable)
• Public facilities - toilets, drinking water (where applicable)
• Disabled toilets (where applicable)
• Access points
• Disabled access points (where applicable)
• Nearby footpaths
• Potential hazards (cliffs, rip currents, access problems)
• Environmentally sensitive or protected areas.
• Riverine or waste water discharges to bathing water/beach
• Recreational zones (where applicable)
This information should be displayed at every reasonable access point to the beach. Award posters are provided to all award beaches. These can be adapted to include all the pertinent information for the beach. Certificates outlining the criteria will be issued to all successful applicants.
All signs should be clean, legible and weatherproof, have strong colour contrast to distinguish information from its background, be within visual range of eye level.
The RNLI provide guidance on sign production and safety information using international symbols. www.rnli.co.uk
30. The responsible authority should be able to demonstrate that it encourages promotional / educational activities throughout the year relating to the coastal environment in the area. (I)
Further information and application forms are available from:
Keep Wales Tidy, Harbour House, Slate Quay, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2PB.
wynne.williams@keepwalestidy.org
Tel. 01286 674081