Suffolk’s swimming spots have been given a clean bill of health by the Environment Agency, new figures have revealed.
Both of Felixstowe’s beaches have been rated excellent in the latest round of water quality tests while Lowestoft’s north and south beaches were rated good.
In Southwold, the waters close to the pier were rated excellent, while Southwold Denes dropped from good to sufficient.
The results mean all bathing sites along the Suffolk coastline have been judged to be suitable for swimming by the agency.
Nick Barber, Mayor of Felixstowe, said he was delighted the town’s coastal waters had retained their excellent rating.
He said: “We have had some really good years, these last five years. “During my year in office it has all been very positive.
“It is another tick we are doing everything right.
“It is great to be involved in such a positive situation at the moment and long may it continue.
“It’s really good news. “I just hope the weather can match it.”
Ian Graham, mayor of Lowestoft, said: “I am overwhelmed with joy that we have received the good rating.
“Obviously our swimming areas and beaches are the jewel in Lowestoft’s crown.
“When you see the number of people down there in the summer, with children and everyone else enjoying the beaches it is just brilliant.
“I can only congratulate everyone involved in this achievement.
“We are happy to work with Waveney District Council and Anglia Water in the future to make sure we keep it up.”
A spokesman for Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils said: “It is absolutely fantastic news for east Suffolk that our beaches continue to be rated so highly.
“Our beaches are among the main attractions for tourists, as well as being fantastic recreational areas for local families and dog walkers. The fact that we consistently do so well, gives people the confidence to visit the beaches across east Suffolk and be sure that the water quality is excellent, so they can enjoy a swim and a day by the sea in safety.
“We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to keep our beaches and sea clean.”
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