Whether you swim, paddle, or simply enjoy a stroll along Sefton’s beaches, you can be assured, once again, that the quality of the water is of a high standard.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published statistics that reveal that Formby, Southport and Ainsdale all boast clean bathing waters.

Formby beach has yet again been rated ‘Excellent’ – the highest, cleanest class – while Southport and Ainsdale beaches both retain ‘Good’ ratings for their water quality.

Green Sefton, Sefton Council’s dedicated eco-team, has been working tirelessly to maintain and improve the high standards of Sefton’s coastline, which has a direct positive effect on bathing water quality.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our thanks must go to the wonderful Green Sefton team, our beach clean volunteers and partners who work all year round to keep our bathing waters and beaches both clean and safe.

“We are delighted that our bathing beaches have once again been recognised by Defra and have repeatedly passed stringent water quality testing.

“For a number of years residents and visitors across Sefton have been encouraged to learn more about bathing waters and how they can play a major part in helping us improve the water quality in the borough.”

There are a number of ways you can help maintain, and improve, local bathing water standards, by taking action both at home and at the beach.

• Only flush the 3P’s down the toilet – poo, pee and paper. Everything else goes in the bin!

• Pour cooled kitchen fats in the bin, not down the sink.

• Pick up after your dog.

• Don’t feed birds at the beach and keep outdoor areas free of food waste.

• Always put litter in the bin or take it home if it’s full

For more information about Sefton’s beaches and coastal areas visit http://www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches.