As the beach tops the list of environmental spaces people are most looking forward to visiting after lockdown (84%) over two thirds (66%) want water quality information, more beach cleans, weekly and daily, to help keep us safe on the beach.
With outdoor exercise rules now lifted, the majority (84%) of the British public are most looking forward to a trip to the beach as our first natural environment stop, a new survey from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has found.
86% of ocean lovers are planning to visit a beach within one month of lockdown loosening, one third (30%) of those will be beach bound within one week.
The Surfers Against Sewage survey revealed that seven in 10 (69%) agree that new measures need to be introduced to keep the population safe when at the beach and in the Ocean after lockdown.
Top beach safety measures that they would like to be introduced:
Two metre distance rules between all groups of sunbathers, land-based activities, walkers and passers-by (79%)
More beach cleans, both weekly and daily (66%)
An increase in available bins and recycling facilities (59%)
More water quality testing (57%) – You can download the Safer Seas water quality app here > https://www.sas.org.uk/safer-seas-service/
More sewage discharge information (57%)
More water quality information (55%)
Nearly eight in 10 people (77%) want the government to take more action to protect the sea, 74% want businesses to take more action to protect the beach and 60% of those surveyed admit the recent health crises has changed their attitude and they now personally want to do more to protect the Ocean.
Hugo Tagholm, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage says:
“The Ocean and our beautiful beaches clearly make the nation’s heart beat faster. People want to roam and restore Britain’s beaches, and their love for our coastal spaces seems to have increased during lockdown. People protect what they love, and the survey shows 90% of people want to see more action to protect the ocean as the nation recovers from the current crisis.
“We understand just how important our beaches are to the health and wellbeing of the nation, that’s why we’ve created The Socially Responsible Beach Guide, helping to keep everyone safe on the British coast. Let’s champion the safe and sustainable return to our beaches. We believe in a thriving ocean and thriving people.”
