Torbay's beaches achieve 'Excellent' ratings in latest survey

Torbay is on the crest of a wave with its 'excellent' beaches.

The Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs has just released the 2024 bathing water classifications - and the English Riviera's golden sands are 'excellent'.

No fewer than 14 of the Bay's 15 beaches have achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating - the highest possible rating and which marks an improvement on last year’s ratings when 11 of the 15 bathing beaches achieved ‘Excellent'.

Hollicombe Beach and Paignton Sands improved from 'Good’ to ‘Excellent’. Watcombe, which was not sampled last year as access was closed due to safety concerns after severe weather.  was also rated  ‘Excellent’ rating. Goodrington improved from  ‘Satisfactory’ to 'Good'.

Ratings are awarded by the Environment Agency, who monitor the quality of bathing water to make sure regulations are being followed. DEFRA is legally required to publish the Environment Agency’s annual findings and classifications.

Water samples are taken by DEFRA throughout the summer season to produce an annual bathing water classification. The last four years' worth of data are used to make a rating.

These classifications are:

Excellent – the highest, cleanest water quality

Good – generally good water quality

Sufficient – the water meets the minimum standard

Poor – the water has not met the minimum standard. Work to improve quality at Poor sites are detailed in the site’s profile

Torbay Council says it is dedicated to improving the bathing experience for our residents and tourists. This progress highlights the Council’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of the local coastal waters. It also allows the local authority to apply for Blue Flag status, confirming Torbay’s beaches as some of the best in the country.

The council says it will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency, South West Water and other partner investigations to maintain Torbay’s bathing water quality, investigate potential pollution sources, and take appropriate action when necessary.

Deputy leader Chris Lewis said “Tor Bay Harbour Authority has a duty to ensure our bathing waters are clean and suitable for people to enjoy. The Environment Agency’s ratings have shown that they have been very successful in their responsibility, with 14 out of 15 beaches achieving the highest rating.

“Maintaining the health and wellbeing of our residents, along with the natural beauty of Torbay, is a top priority for the council. These excellent ratings are a testament to our hard work and dedication to this cause.”

2023 and 2024’s ratings for all 15 of Torbay’s bathing waters are:

Anstey's Cove Excellent (2023), Excellent (2024)

Babbacombe Excellent, Excellent

Beacon Cove Excellent, Excellent

Breakwater Beach Excellent, Excellent

Broadsands Excellent, Excellent

Goodrington Sufficient, Good

Hollicombe Good, Excellent

Maidencombe Excellent, Excellent

Meadfoot Excellent, Excellent

Oddicombe Excellent, Excellent

Paignton  Sands Good Excellent

Preston Sands Excellent, Excellent

St Mary's Bay Excellent, Excellent

Torre Abbey Excellent, Excellent

Watcombe N/A Excellent