Fifteen of the Isle of Wight’s bathing spots have been classed ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ by the government’s Environment Agency (EA).
The environmental protection and regulatory body’s Swimfo data currently shows no places which it advises against bathing on the Island and 11 ‘excellent’ locations.
Excellent locations
Those rated excellent are: Compton Bay, Totland Bay, Colwell Bay, Cowes, East Cowes, Seagrove, St Helens, Whitecliff Bay, Yaverland, Shanklin and Ventnor.
Good locations include Gurnard, Ryde, Bembridge and Sandown.

Samples taken to measure water quality
The EA’s website says,
“Water quality at designated bathing water sites in England is assessed by the Environment Agency.
“From May to September, samples are taken to measure water quality, and at a number of sites daily pollution risk forecasts are issued.
“Annual ratings classify each site as excellent, good, sufficient or poor based on measurements taken over a period of up to four years.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed





