A total of 55 sites across England were awarded both a Blue Flag and Seaside Award.
 The following beaches in Torbay can fly the Blue Flag this year:
  • Breakwater Beach, Brixham, opposite Devoncourt SeaView Flats
  • Broadsands Beach, Paignton
  • Meadfoot Beach, Torquay
  • Oddicombe Beach, Torquay
  • Preston Beach, Paignton
  • Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay
Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.
  • Among the criteria beaches are assessed against are:
  • Safety and services, such as first aid, lifeguards where necessary
  • Environmental information including displaying details of  eco systems
  • Environmental management, including litter and waste
  • Water quality – Blue Flag beaches must meet the ‘excellent’ water quality standard as set out in the EU bathing water directive and