Havant Borough Council is aware that unauthorised flags have been placed on its land on Hayling, displaying information that could mislead the public and bathers.
However well-meaning the intent behind the water quality flags there is the potential for these to be confusing to the general public. The council strongly urges the public to only rely on official information about water quality provided by the Environment Agency (via Swimfo) and Southern Water (via Beachbuoy).
The unauthorised flags are green – following best practice, the council does not use green flags along Hayling seafront, as the public may perceive this as meaning the water is safe to enter (when it may not be). Water users should always check conditions and follow the local guidance on the RNLI safety signage at multiple sites along Hayling seafront, prior to making their decision to enter the sea.
Signage directing people to official information is already displayed in multiple locations along the seafront. The council is also currently working with the Environment Agency and Southern Water to investigate the feasibility of installing electronic water quality signage along the seafront and will be publishing the findings in the coming months.
Council policy is to remove any signage installed on its land without council permission and this will be enforced along Hayling seafront.
For more information on water safety along Hayling seafront, please visit https://www.havant.gov.uk/community-and-living/visiting-borough/hayling-island-seafront/beach-safety.