The Seaside Awards were run in Northern Ireland until 2006. when there were 14 Seaside Awards in total around our coast. However, they are being adopted again and will up and running in 2009. Wales and Scotland also run the Seaside Awards where the programme is very successful and it is hoped that they will be welcomed back here too.

The Seaside Award flag is awarded to beaches which meet mandatory water quality standards according to the EC Bathing Water Directive and are also clean, well managed and safe. The Seaside Award is divided into two award categories which are Resort and Rural.

A Resort Seaside Award beach attracts many visitors, provide lots of facilities e.g. toilets, access for disabled people, car parks, restricted access for dogs and are usually located near towns. There are 29 criteria which assessed before the beach is given an award.

A Rural Seaside Award beach usually attracts less visitors than a resort beach would and is not as developed. The award is given to beaches which are effectively managed and are clean. The beach must meet fifteen criteria to achieve this award.