Poole Beaches Guide

Beach safety

To stay safe at the beach, always swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags and never swim alone.  For exact locations and patrol times of the lifeguarded beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole visit the RNLI website.

We want you to enjoy your time at the beach in safely, so if you're heading to our coast, please follow the @RNLI's beach safety messages:

• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
• Check the weather and tide times before you go
• If you get caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it – instead, relax and float until you are free from the rip, then swim to safety
• If you find yourself in danger in the water, relax and float.

RNLI Beach Safety: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

Blue Flag and Seaside Awards

We’ve retained the international Blue Flag award status since it was first introduced in 1996 and as of 2024 Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch have secured 12 Blue Flag awards for Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Branksome Chine, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Manor Steps, Avon Beach, Friars Cliff and Highcliffe. 

Read all about the news and list of sponsors in the press release.

Blue Flag campaign sponsors

We have also secured a total of 14 Seaside Awards for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Fantastic awards like this recognise the highest standards for water quality, environmental management, safety and services and environmental education.

Sandbanks Beach  

Naturally beautiful, with its golden sand, Sandbanks Beach is an Tripadvisor award-winning Blue Flag beach achieving the highest standard of cleanliness. Sandbanks has held the highly coveted international Blue Flag for 35 years, making it one of the best beaches in the world. Slacklining posts have been installed and equipment is available to hire from the beach office. Activities at Sandbanks include crazy golf, children's play area and Sandbanks Beach Cafe. You can find great inspiration on all that Sandbanks has to offer with our 24-Hour in Sandbanks Itinerary. 

Shore Road Beach

Fine golden sands, gradual sloping beach and clean, safe water makes Shore Road Beach an ideal place to visit. Watersports hire and tuition is available nearby and there is a dedicated 'launch' zone for kitesurfers and windsurfers.