Holding the flag - Jonathan Bacon (Parish Council Chair), Murray Clarke (Parish Councillor), Jack Matthews (Parish Council Clerk) and Sarah Elliott (Parish Council Vice Chair)

St Helens celebrates with coveted Seaside Award

St Helens Beach has once again been awarded the coveted Seaside Award. The awards celebrate the quality and diversity of the local coastline.

The award to St Helens recognises it as one of the best beaches in the country where visitors and local residents can be assured that the beach will be clean and safe and meet the highest environmental standards as well as having international standard bathing water quality.

Criteria for award
Among the criteria beaches are assessed against are:·      

  • Safety and services, such as first aid and lifeguards, where necessary
  • Environmental information including displaying details about local eco systems      
  • Water quality
  • Environmental management, including litter and waste.

Bacon: Testament to the inherent quality of the beach
Jonathan Bacon, Chair of St Helens Parish Council said,

“It is very pleasing for St Helens beach to be once again recognised in the Seaside Awards.

“The award is both a testament to the inherent quality of the beach and the reasons it is loved by locals and visitors alike, as well as a recognition of the hard work put in both locally and by the Isle of Wight Council and other agencies to maintain that quality.

“I would like to thank all those whose work has contributed to us winning this award.”

Elliott: Looking forward to another busy summer on St Helens beach
Sarah Elliott, Vice Chair of St Helens Parish Council said,

“St Helens beach is a wonderful combination of all the things that create a valuable resource to our local community, including the fact the beach is ‘dog friendly’, and also a popular beach for visitors from further afield.”

“We are looking forward to another busy summer on St Helens beach as people know it is a great place to visit. We also hope and ask that people will respect the local environment and other visitors to help us maintain our award status. Please clear up your litter and please clear up after your dog.

“We have provided extra bins for the summer but if for any reason they are full please take your litter away with you so it can disposed of without spoiling the beach and the experience of others.”


News shared by Jonathan on behalf of St Helens Parish Council. Ed