Published: Thursday 15 May 2025
All eight of Southend’s beaches have once again achieved prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards in this year’s Keep Britain Tidy announcement — a testament to their high standards in water quality, cleanliness, and facilities.
🏅 Award-Winning Beaches in Southend
Combined Blue Flag & Seaside Awards:
- East Beach, Shoeburyness
- Shoebury Common
- Three Shells Beach
Seaside Awards:
- Chalkwell Beach
- Jubilee Beach
- Leigh Bell Wharf
- Thorpe Bay
- Westcliff Bay
💧 Water Quality Recognition
All Southend beaches have been rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ for water quality by the Environment Agency. Thorpe Bay retained its ‘Excellent’ rating, and the council plans to reapply for Blue Flag status for this beach when eligible.
👏 A Word from the Council
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said:
“I’m so proud that all our beaches have earned this prestigious recognition because we really do have some of the best in the country.
I’d like to thank our Resorts Team, partners, businesses, volunteers, and residents for their continued dedication. These internationally recognised awards wouldn’t be possible without their hard work.”
🌍 National Praise
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, added:
“It’s wonderful to see the flags flying proudly over eight beaches in Southend. Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag can be assured the beach will be clean, safe, and meet the highest environmental standards.”
🏖 About the Awards
Blue Flag
The world’s most recognised environmental award for beaches and marinas, managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.
To earn this flag, beaches must meet strict criteria including:
- Excellent water quality (EU Bathing Water Directive)
- Environmental education programmes
- Strong safety, accessibility, and environmental management
Seaside Award
Recognises England’s best beaches — both resort and rural — that meet high standards of cleanliness, safety, and information.
Assessment criteria include:
- Safety & first aid services
- Eco-system & environmental information
- Litter and waste management
- Water quality (minimum ‘Sufficient’ for Seaside, ‘Excellent’ for Blue Flag)
ℹ️ Learn More
🔗 Visit Visit Southend’s official website for more on Southend’s beaches and bays.
Note: After heavy rainfall, it’s advised to avoid entering the sea for at least 24 hours due to possible water quality changes (World Health Organisation guidance).