Council Officers Back Call For Bathing Water Status At Bembridge Beach

Isle of Wight Council officers are recommending support for a campaign to secure official bathing water status for Point Beach in Bembridge.

The Environment and Community Protection Committee will consider the proposal at County Hall next Thursday (29 October).

The Swim at The Point group has applied to the Government for the designation, which would mean the Environment Agency monitors water quality to help protect people using the beach.

Campaigners say the status would increase scrutiny of pollution and help drive improvements.

Their application includes evidence of recreational use, including swimmer counts and public support surveys.

The campaign follows controversy earlier this year over Southern Water’s plans to restore a storm overflow pipe near the beach.

The company paused the work in June after local opposition, with residents concerned about sewage discharges.

Southern Water said the pipe was needed to protect homes and businesses from flooding.

Council officers recommend authorising a letter of support, although they note the designation could bring some additional responsibilities around signage, public information and pollution incidents.

The committee meeting begins at 5pm on 29 October.