THE council has reminded visitors and residents alike to enjoy the beach responsibly as the weather warms up.

BCP Council has asked visitors to beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to ensure they stay safe ahead of the bank holiday weekend and the summer.

It works with Dorset Police, the RNLI and other partners to ensure visitors, residents and businesses can all enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Councillor Millie Earl, deputy leader and portfolio holder for connected communities, BCP Council, said: “This glimpse of warmer weather is much needed by us all, and I’m hoping everyone comes out to enjoy our award-winning beaches and local hospitality spots in the coming weeks and months. 

“As always, we’re ready for this influx of visitors but it’s important to remind everyone to enjoy our area responsibly, which includes things like taking rubbish home with you, and parking respectfully as well. 

"If we all adhere to these principles, we can ensure a fantastic summer for everyone."

The council’s advice includes planning travel ahead of time, parking responsibly, taking rubbish home and to swim between the RNLI beaches.  

The council’s full advice is: 

  • Plan any travel ahead of time and ensure you have plenty of water and food in the car as roads into the BCP area can get extra busy in hot weather 
  • Consider alternative car parks, as those at the seafront often fill up early in the morning 
  • Park responsibly and not on double-yellow lines or your car may be towed away, and leave enough space for residents to get into their driveways 
  • Swim between the red and yellow flags at RNLI lifeguarded beaches where possible and remember their essential float to live advice – information on RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found online.
  • Download the refill app at www.refill.org.uk to locate over 150 places along the seafront to refill your water bottles for free as this help save thousands of plastic bottles ending up on the shoreline 
  • Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on BCP beaches, promenades, cliffs or cliff tops and it’s illegal to have a fire or BBQ on heathland 
  • Take your rubbish home and dispose of it safely there 
  • Bring your own re-useable food containers, cutlery and even ashtrays 
  • No overnight sleeping or camping is allowed on the beach, seafront, cliffs or car parks 
  • Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) Officers will be deployed to help keep visitors safe