Introduction

If you are planning a visit to one of Somerset’s beaches, stay Covid safe by downloading the UK Beach Check App to check congestion levels beforehand.

What is Beach Check App?

UK Beach Check App allows visitors to choose less populated zones or beaches with lesser crowding to help maintain safe social distancing.

The App is based on a simple traffic light system, indicating the congestion level of individual beaches and public areas or via an interactive map.

How does the App work?

Congestion updates are provided throughout the day using a mix of sources. The App predicts how busy areas are likely to become, based on historic data, weather and footfall counter data. This is supplemented with manual updates provided by the team at Minehead BID from overhead panoramic cameras. The cameras are not CCTV; instead, they provide static images of Minehead’s beachfront on request to determine the current level of congestion.

The key features of the App include:

• Congestion status for individual beached and via an interactive map
• My favourite beach locations
• Information and availability of parking, toilets, cycling routes and dog exercise areas

To find out how to use the UK Beach Check App, watch the following video:

Where can I get the App?

The England’s Coast website has information about the app and how to download it.

Why has the council adopted UK Beach Check App?

UK Beach Check App was initially launched by Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council in 2020 in response to overcrowding of its beaches seen at the end of the first lockdown.

The App is now being rolled-out to coastal authorities nationally and we have adopted it as part of our Covid-safety planning to ensure the safety of visitors and residents to our beaches. As further costal authorities adopt the App, it will provide a comprehensive safety monitoring resource for beachgoers across the UK.

The national roll-out has been funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, including maintenance costs for the first year at no expense to local authorities.