03/09/2026
🌊 Christchurch Harbour Bathing Water Designation — Community Update
We already have a number of local water-related businesses, clubs and harbour groups on board, and we are continuing to seek confirmation from others who may wish to support the initiative.
Once we have reached a critical mass, we will meet to agree a plan of action and provide a further update.
Having looked carefully at the requirements, we believe the responsible approach is to use 2027 to gather the evidence properly, rather than rush an application at the end of the 2026 bathing season.
The proposal would not be to designate the whole harbour. We would identify a clearly defined area already regularly used by swimmers and children paddling, while excluding the navigation channel, ferry operating areas, moorings and the fast-flowing harbour entrance. The whole harbour would likely be impossible to achieve, but what comes down the Stour ends up at the Harbour side beach so it achieves the result.
Subject to the Defra rules and timetable applying in 2027, the main steps will be:
1. Agree the proposed bathing area
Work with BCP Council, the Harbour Businesses , landowners and other interested parties to establish a sensible and safe boundary.
2. Gather evidence of existing bathing use
Undertake proper in-person surveys during the bathing season, recording swimmers and children paddling on busy days and providing dated photographic evidence.
3. Confirm that the eligibility requirements are met
This currently includes demonstrating an average of at least 100 bathers a day and having toilets available within approximately 500 metres.
4. Run a full public consultation
Give residents, businesses, bathers, clubs, landowners, environmental organisations, Natural England and other affected groups the opportunity to comment for at least six weeks.
5. Address safety and environmental considerations
Document tidal, navigation, access and ecological issues and explain how the proposed boundary would manage them.
6. Secure formal support and submit the application
Obtain the necessary support from BCP Council and relevant landowners, compile the evidence and submit the completed application to Defra.
If successful, designation would bring the selected area into the formal bathing-water regime, with Environment Agency water-quality monitoring, published classifications and investigation of pollution sources.
Designation would not guarantee that the water is always clean or safe. Its value is that it would create regular, transparent monitoring and greater accountability for water that people already use.
We will share further updates once the initial group has met and agreed the next steps. If your business, club or organisation would like to contribute evidence, expertise, support or volunteers, please get in touch.
This is about working together to protect the harbour and the people who enjoy it.
