Beach safety
To stay safe at the beach, always swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags and never swim alone. For exact locations and patrol times of the lifeguarded beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole visit the RNLI website.
We want you to enjoy your time at the beach in safely, so if you're heading to our coast, please follow the @RNLI's beach safety messages:
- Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
- Check the weather and tide times before you go
- If you get caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it – instead, relax and float until you are free from the rip, then swim to safety
- If you find yourself in danger in the water, relax and float.
RNLI Beach Safety: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety
Blue Flag and Seaside Awards
We’ve retained the international Blue Flag award status since it was first introduced in 1996 and as of 2025 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have now secured 9 Blue Flag awards for Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Branksome Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Avon Beach, Friars Cliff and Highcliffe.
Read all about the news and list of sponsors in the press release.
Blue Flag campaign sponsors
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We have also secured a total of 10 Seaside Awards for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Fantastic awards like this recognise the highest standards for water quality, environmental management, safety and services and environmental education.