The Altausseer See in Austria: still water below wooded mountains, with a lone tree on a rock near the shore

Official bathing waters, in one place

The classification each authority gives its bathing waters across the UK, Ireland and Europe, with a swimming layer coming to the apps.

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  • The En-Vau calanque in France: white limestone cliffs above a narrow turquoise inlet and a small beach

    On this site now

    Official water quality

    Each bathing water’s classification, in its authority’s words.

    • Excellent
    • Good
    • Sufficient
    • Poor
  • The Hintersteiner See in Tyrol, its calm water reflecting forest and mountains

    Coming to the apps

    Today’s notice

    Pollution-risk notices, where an authority publishes them.

  • Oxwich Bay on the Gower coast in Wales, seen from a headland path, with a long sandy beach beyond

    Coming to the apps

    The walk there, and tides

    Walks that pass swimming places, and coastal tides.

  • A clear stream with small waterfalls among green plants in the Sierra de Cazorla, Spain

    Coming to the apps

    Works offline

    Download an area and its swimming places come with it.

Official bathing waters, country by country

Before you swim

  • Cold water

    The RNLI says to go in slowly: below 15°C, cold water shock can set in.

  • If in trouble, float

    The RNLI says to tilt your head back and float until your breathing settles.

  • Go with others

    RLSS UK says to go with friends or family and take a way to call for help.

  • Don’t go in to rescue

    RLSS UK says to call 999 and throw something that floats.

  • Weirs and locks

    The Environment Agency says to keep out of the water near them.

  • Algae and heavy rain

    GOV.UK says to avoid green scum; UKHSA says rain can lower water quality.

UK advice; elsewhere, follow local signs. Read the full advice

Sources and credits