Bathing water rules under review as DAERA considers major changes across Northern Ireland

Ballycastle beach, County Antrim

Northern Ireland’s bathing water system could face its biggest overhaul in years under new proposals that may change how swimming sites are identified, monitored and protected across the country.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a 12-week public consultation examining whether current bathing water rules are still fit for purpose as outdoor swimming surges in popularity and more people use coastal and inland waters year-round.

The review could have direct implications for communities along the North Coast and across County Antrim, where bathing waters have become increasingly important not only for recreation and tourism, but also for local businesses and public health.

There are currently 33 officially identified bathing waters in Northern Ireland, with the bathing season running annually from 1 June to 15 September.

During that period, water quality at designated sites is monitored weekly and graded as excellent, good or satisfactory. Temporary advice against bathing can also be issued when conditions deteriorate.

Growing popularity of outdoor swimming driving review

DAERA says the existing monitoring framework now needs reassessed because swimming habits have changed significantly in recent years.

The department pointed to the rapid growth of year-round sea swimming, increased use of outdoor recreation sites and changing patterns in how people use beaches, bays and inland waters.

The review also follows updated health guidance and the findings of a 2024 report by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), which examined how Bathing Water Regulations are being implemented in Northern Ireland.

Under the consultation, DAERA is seeking public views on several proposed changes, including:

• sharing more information with bathing water users

• making the bathing season more flexible

• introducing a risk-based approach to monitoring

• changing how bathing waters are officially identified

• monitoring potential new bathing sites

• removing the automatic loss of bathing water status

• ensuring monitoring reflects where people actually swim

• inviting nominations for additional bathing water locations

The proposals could prove particularly significant for coastal communities where swimming tourism has expanded sharply in recent years.

Seven new bathing waters added last year

Launching the consultation, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said Northern Ireland’s bathing waters play an increasingly important role for both communities and local economies.

He said:

“Northern Ireland’s bathing waters are among our most precious natural assets. They provide recreational opportunities, support local economies and foster a vital connection between our communities and the environment.”

The minister highlighted the expansion of the programme last year, when seven additional locations gained bathing water status.

The new sites included Brompton Bay, Cushendall, Donaghadee, Drain’s Bay, Portmuck, Rea’s Wood and Warrenpoint.

Several of those locations are situated along the County Antrim coastline, reflecting the growing demand for recognised swimming locations in the area.

Mr Muir said the latest review is intended to shape how the bathing water programme develops in future years.

“This review marks an important step in our commitment to safeguarding public health, improving water quality, and protecting our natural environment,” he said.

“It fulfils commitments in both the Environmental Improvement Programme and the third cycle River Basin Management Plan.

“I encourage stakeholders and the public to engage fully with this consultation and help shape a resilient, sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s bathing waters.”

How water quality information is shared

Bathing waters in Northern Ireland are monitored under the Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008, as amended.

DAERA says testing is carried out against strict standards designed to:

• protect public health

• maintain clean and safe waters

• help swimmers make informed choices

Weekly water quality updates are published during the bathing season through colour-coded posters displayed at bathing sites, council offices and visitor information points.

The department also operates an online Bathing Water Quality Dashboard featuring interactive maps, search tools, sampling results and detailed bathing water profiles.

Public consultation now open

DAERA’s consultation opened on Friday 29 May 2026 and will remain open for 12 weeks before closing at 5pm on Friday 21 August 2026.

Consultation documents and online questionnaires are available at:

Bathing Waters Consultation

The review comes as public scrutiny of water quality, environmental protection and recreational safety continues to intensify across Northern Ireland, particularly in coastal areas where outdoor swimming has become part of everyday life for growing numbers of people.